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PREFACE. 


FEW  words  are  needed  to  introduce  this  volume.  The  Author  hr.3 
aimed  to  be  simple,  that  youth  of  lower  as  well  as  advanced  classes  may 
understand  him  ;  clear ,  that  no  indistinct  or  erroneous  impressions  may 
be  'conveyed  ;  accurate  in  the  recital  of  facts  ;  and  interesting  as  regards 
both  matter  and  style.  Avoiding  fragmentary  statements,  he  has  gono 
into  detail  sufficiently  to  show  events  in  their  connections,  convinced 
that  a  fairer  idea  of  them  is  thus  imparted,  and  that  facts  otherwise  dry 
may  in  this  way  be  made  attractive  and  indelibly  impressed  on  the  mind. 
He  has  tried  throughout  to  be  fair  and  national.  He  has  neither  intro 
duced  offensive  allusions,  nor  invidiously  attempted  to  bias  the  minds  oi 
the  young  on  controverted  questions  connected  with  politics  or  religion. 

It  is  hoped  that  the  plan  of  the  work  will  be  approved  by  teachers. 
While  the  accounts  of  particular  settlements,  colonies,  and  sections, 
are  kept  distinct,  the  order  of  events  throughout  the  whole  is  as  far  as 
possible  preserved.  Some  space  is  devoted  to  a  consideration  of  the  ori 
gin,  customs,  and  character  of  the  Red  Men,  whose  prominence  in  our 
earlier  annals,  no  less  than  the  melancholy  doom  which  is  hurrying  them 
to  extinction,  gives  them  a  strong  claim  on  the  historian.  Brief  biog 
raphies  of  distinguished  men,  interspersed  in  connection  with  the  events 
that  made  them  famous,  add  to  the  interest  of  the  volume,  besides  fur 
nishing  the  pupil  models  of  worth  and  patriotism.  The  progress  of  art, 
science,  and  invention,  the  state  of  society  at  different  periods,  and  other 
matters  essential  to  a  complete  view  of  a  country's  history,  receive  due 
attention.  The  questions  at  the  bottom  of  the  page  will  be  found  con 
venient  ;  as  will,  also,  the  pronunciation  given  in  brackets  after  foreign 
and  difficult  proper  names.  Appropriate  illustrations  prepared  with  great 
care,  to  instruct  as  well  as  please,  have  been  liberally  provided.  Maps 
are  as  useful  in  history  as  in  geography ;  and  Plans  are  often  essential  to 
the  lucid  delineation  of  military  movements.  Both  are  here  presented 
wherever  it  was  thought  they  would  be  of  service  ;  and,  to  prevent  their 
neglect  by  the  student,  questions  on  each  have  been  introduced. 

In  conclusion,  the  author  hopes  that  his  efforts  to  invest  the  subject 
with  interest  have  not  proved  altogether  unsuccessful,  and  that  the  vol 
ume  now  offered  to  the  young  may  be  the  means  of  inspiring  them  with 
a  taste  for  general  historical  reading. 
NBW  TOBK,  Jan.  19, 1857. 


M193182 


CONTENTS. 


PART  I. 

ABORIGINAL   PERIOD. 

GBAPTKB.  PAGE. 

I.  Origin  of  the  American  Indians 11 

II.  The  Great  Indian  Families t 16 

III.  Indian  Languages 20 

IV.  Aboriginal  Kemains 26 

V.  Description  of  the  Indians 81 


PART  II. 

COLONIAL   PERIOD.    • 

L  Voyages  and  Discoveries  of  Columbus 43 

II.  Early  Explorations. — First  Permanent  Settlements 51 

III.  Conquest  of  Mexico  and  Peru. — Voyage  of  Magellan 60 

IV.  English  Explorations  and  Settlements 66 

V.  Dutch  Discoveries  and  Settlements 76 

VI.  Landing  of  the  Pilgrims 79 

VII.  Massachusetts  Bay  Colony.— Settlement  of  Rhode  Island 83 

VIII.  Settlement  of  Connecticut.— Pequod  War 88 

IX.  Founding  of  Maryland  and  Delaware 92 

X.  NeWyNetherlands  from  1 021  to  1664.— Founding  of  New  Jersey 95 

XL  Virginia  from  1620  to  1660 99 

XII.  Eliot's  Preaching.— Union  of  the  New  England  Colonies 102 

XIII.  Domestic  Life,  Character,  and  Laws  of  the  Puritans 105 

XIV.  King  Philip's  War 108 

XV.  Bacon's  Rebellion 114 

XVI.  Settlement  of  Carolina 118 

XVII.  Settlement  of  Pennsylvania 121 

XVIIL  Indian  History.— Jesuit  Missionaries 125 


CONTENTS.  5 

CHAPTER.  PAOE. 

XIX.  New  York  to  16S9.— French  and  Iroquois  War 130 

XX.  New  England  under  Andros  and  Phipps 182 

XXI.  Kiug  William's  War 184 

XXII.  Witchcraft  in  New  England 188 

XXIII.  New  York  under  Leisler,  Sloughter,  Fletcher,  and  Bellamont— Captain 

Kidd 140 

XXIV.  South  Carolina  from  1690  to  1700 143 

XXV.  French  Settlements  in  the  Southwest— Chickasaw  War 144 

XXVI.  Queen  Anne's  War 147 

XXVII.  Settlement  of  Georgia 148 

XXVIII.  King  George's  War,  1744-1748 152 

XXIX.  Commencement  of  Washington's  Career 154 

XXX.  Commencement  of  the  French  and  Indian  War 160 

XXXI.  Braddock's  Campaign 164 

XXXII.  French  and  Indian  War  (continued).— Campaigns  of  1757-58 171 

XXXIIL  French  and  Indian  War  (continued).— Campaigns  of  1759-60 175 

XXXIV.  Pontiac'sWar 181 

XXXV.  State  of  Society  in  the  Colonies 184 

XXXVI.  Causes  of  the  American  Eevolution 188 


PART  III. 

REVOLUTIONARY   PERIOD. 

I.  Battle  of  Lexington 203 

II.  Capture  of  Ticonderoga. — Washington  elected  Commander-in-chief 206 

III.  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill 209 

IV.  Invasion  of  Canada 214 

V.  Siege  and  Evacuation  of  Boston 218 

VI.  British  Attack  on  Charleston. — Declaration  of  Independence 220 

VII.  Battle  of  Long  Island. 224 

VIII.  Washington's  Eetreat— Battle  of  White  Plains 229 

IX.  Battles  of  Trenton  and  Princeton 232 

X.  La  Fayette's  Arrival.— Tryon  in  Connecticut— Capture  of  Gen.  Prescott.  236 

XI.  Burgoyne's  Campaign  and  Surrender 239 

XII.  Movements  of  Howe  and  Washington  in  1777 248 

XIII.  The  American  Army  at  Valley  Forge '. 253 

XIV,  Campaign  of  1778. — Monmouth. — Newport — Savannah. — Wyoming 257 

XV.  Campaign  of  1779.— Movements  in  South  Carolina.— Capture  of  Stony 

Point — Sullivan's  Indian  Expedition. — Siege  of  Savannah. — Paul  Jones.  262 
XVI.  Campaign  of  1780.— Fall  of  Charleston.— Partisan  Warfare  in  the  South. 

—Battle  of  Camden 269 

XVII.  Arnold's  Treachery.— Battle  of  King's  Mountain 276 

XVIII.  Campaign  of  1781.— The  Cowpens.— Guilford  Court  House.— Ninety-Six. 

— Eutaw  Springs 282 


b  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER.  1'AGB. 

XIX.  Siege  of  Ycrktown.— Surrender  of  Cornwallis 298 

XX.  End  of  the  Revolutionary  War 298 

XXI.  Formation  of  a  Federal  Constitution  ...  . .  304 


PART  IV. 

CONSTITUTIONAL   PERIOD. 

I.  Washington's  Administration,  1789-1797 812 

II.  John  Adams'  Administration,  1797-1801 326 

III.  Jefferson's  Administration,  1801-1S09 329 

IV.  Madison's  Administration,  from  1809  to  1812 338 

V.  Madison's  Administration  (continued),  1812 344 

VI.  Madison's  Administration  (continued),  1813 353 

VII.  Madison's  Administration  (continued),  1814-1817 371 

VIII.  Monroe's  Administration,  1817-1825 390 

IX.  John  Quincy  Adams'  Administration,  1S25-1S29 397 

X.  Jackson's  Administration,  1829-1837 401 

XI.  Van  Buren's  Administration,  1837-1841 41J 

XII.  Administration  of  Harrison  and  Tyler,  1841-1845 413 

XIII.  Folk's  Administration,  1845-1849 423 

XIV.  Administration  of  Taylor  and  Fillmore,  1849-1S53  . . .! 445 

XV.  Pierce's  Administration,  1853-1857 452 

XVL  Buchanan's  Administration,  1857 458 

Present  condition  of  the  United  States 469 


THE  WESTERN   CONTINENT. 

1.  THE  Western  Continent,  represented  above,  is  about 
9,000  miles  long.  It  attains  its  greatest  width  in  the  north, 
where  it  is  nearly  3,000  miles  across.  From  this  point  the 
shores  slope  towards  each  other,  till  an  isthmus  50  miles 
wide  is  formed ;  whence  they  again  expand,  inclosing  a  tract 
of  nearly  equal  size  on  the  south.  The  continent  is  thus 
naturally  divided  into  two  parts,  known  as  North  and  South 
America.  Between  the  two,  near  the  eastern  coast,  lie  the 
West  India  Islands. 

Including  the  islands  just  named  and  Greenland,  the 
American  continent  embraces  15,000,000  square  miles,  of 
which  North  America  contains  eight  million,  and  South 
America  nearly  seven.  Together  they  comprise  more  than 
a  third  of  the  land  surface  of  the  globe.  The  territory  of 

1.  How  long  is  the  Western  Continent?  Where  does  it  attain  its  greatest  width? 
How  wide  is  it  there  ?  From  this  point,  describe  the  shores.  How  is  the  continent 
thus  divided?  What  islands  lie  between  the  two?  Including  the  West  Indies  and 
Greenland,  how  many  square  miles  does  America  contain  ?  How  many,  North  Amer 
ica?  How  many,  South  America?  Together,  what  part  of  the  land  surface  of  the 


8  THE   WESTERN    CONTINENT. 

the  United  States  contains  2,983,153  square  miles, — more 
than  one  third  of  the  surface  of  North  America. 

America  is  bounded  on  each  side  by  a  great  ocean.  On 
the  east,  the  Atlantic,  3,000  miles  broad,  separates  it  from 
Europe  and  Africa ;  on  the  west,  it  is  separated  from  Asia 
by  the  Pacific,  the  greatest  width  of  which  is  about  10,000 
miles.  This  ocean  gradually  narrows  towards  the  north,  till 
it  terminates  in  Behring's  [pronounced  beer'-ingz]  Strait, 
where  the  extreme  points  of  the  two  continents  are  only  36 
miles  apart. 

2.  The  American  Continent  is  distinguished  for  the  grand- 
ness  of  its  natural  features.     It  is  intersected  by  large  rivers, 
which  afford  every  facility  for  commerce.     The  Mississippi, 
the  Missouri,  and  the  Amazon, -surpass  in  length  every  other 
river  on  the  earth.     Lakes  equal  in  size  to  seas  are  scattered 
over  its  surface.     Its  valleys  and  plains,  its  volcanoes  and 
mountain  ranges,  are  all  on  the  grandest  scale.     Its  mineral 
resources  are  inexhaustible.     The  silver  and  diamond  mines 
of  South  America,  and,  in  the  United  States,  the  gold  placers 
of  California,  and  the  vast  subterranean  treasures  of  lead,  iron, 
and  coal,  which  elsewhere  abound,  are  of  inestimable  value. 

3.  The  temperature  of  any  given  locality  in  America  is 
much  colder  than  that  of  a  place  hi  the  same  latitude  on  the 
Eastern  Continent.     New  York  is  on  nearly  the  same  par 
allel  as  Naples ;  yet  in  the  latter  snow  is  rarely  seen,  and 
fires  are  hardly  ever  reqiiired.     There  is  no  city  in  America 
as  far  north  as  Paris;  and  Stockholm,  transported  to  the 
same  latitude  hi  the  Western  Continent,  would  be  in  a  re 
gion  of  perpetual  snow. 

4.  The  animals  originally  found  in  America  were,  as  a 
general  thing,  neither  so  large  nor  so  strong  as  those  of  the 
old  world.     Instead  of  the  elephant,  rhinoceros,  hippopota- 

globe  do  they  comprise  ?  How  much  of  this  belongs  to  the  United  States?  By  what 
is  America  bounded?  How  wide  is  the  Atlantic?  the  Pacific?  In  what  does  the 
Pacific  terminate  towards  the  north  ?  How  wide  is  Behring's  Strait  ?  2.  For  what  is 
the  American  Continent  distinguished?  By  what  is  it  intersected?  What  is  said  of 
its  valleys,  plains,  &c.  ?  What,  of  its  mineral  resources?  8.  How  does  the  Western 
Continent  compare  in  temperature  with  the  Eastern  ?  What  two  cities  are  mentioned 
in  illustration  of  this  fact?  What  is  the  temperature  of  America  in  the  latitude  of 
Stockholm?  4  How  did  the  animals  of  America  compare  with  those  of  the  old  world* 


DIVISION    INTO   PERIODS.  9 

mus,  lion,  and  tiger,  which  are  natives  of  many  parts  of  the 
Eastern  Continent,  here  were  found  the  bison,  musk-ox,  jag- 
u-ar',  tapir,  and  lama.  Remains  of  the  elephant,  however, 
and  of  a  still  larger  quadruped  known  as  the  mastodon,  now 
extinct,  have  been  dug  up  in  different  parts  of  the  United 
States.  All  our  domestic  animals  were  introduced  from 
Europe.  Horses  are  now  found  wild  in  great  numbers,  but 
America  is  not  their  native  land.  They  have  sprung  from 
those  introduced  by  the  Spaniards.  The  same  is  the  case 
with  the  wild  cattle  that  traverse  in  myriads  the  plains  of 
Buenos  Ayres  [bica'-nos  i'res\.  Our  varieties  of  native  birds 
are '  numerous ;  we  have  many  not  found  in  the  Eastern 
Continent,  of  which  the  turkey  is  the  most  important. 

5.  Having  thus  considered  the  natural  features  of  America, 
we  proceed  to  treat  of  its  history.  The  part  now  constitu 
ting  the  United  States  will  occupy  most  of  our  attention ; 
but  we  shall  take  occasion  to  glance  at  the  great  events  in 
other  portions  of  the  continent  also,  particularly  such  as  have 
had  a  bearing  on  the  history  of  our  own  country. 

DIVISION   INTO   PERIODS. 

American  History  may  be  divided  into  four  periods : — 
I.   THE  ABORIGINAL  PERIOD,   extending  from  the  first 
peopling  of  America  to  its  discovery  by  Columbus, 
A.  D.  1492; 

H.  THE  COLONIAL  PERIOD,  from  the  discovery  by  Colum 
bus  to  the  breaking  out  of  the  American  Revolution, 
A.  D.  1775 ; 

HI.  THE  REVOLUTIONARY  PERIOD,  from  the  breaking  out 
of  the  Revolution  to  the  organization  of  a  govern 
ment  under  the  Federal  Constitution,  A.  D.  1789  ; 
IV.  THE  CONSTITUTIONAL  PERIOD,  from  the  organization  of 
a  government  under  the  Federal  Constitution  to  the 
present  time. 

Mention  some  not  found  In  this  country.  By  what  was  their  place  supplied?  What 
remains  are  found?  What  is  said  of  our  domestic  animals?  Whence  came  the  horse 
and  the  wild  cattle  of  South  America?  What  is  said  of  our  native  birds?  5.  Into  how 
many  periods  may  American  History  be  divided  ?  Give  the  iiame  and  limits  of  each. 


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INDIAN  PAMILIES 

located 
in 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


PART  I. 

ABORIGINAL  PERIOD, 

EXTENDING  FROM  THE  FIRST  PEOPLING  OF  AMERICA  TO 
ITS  DISCOVERY  BY  COLUMBUS,  A.  D.  1492. 


CHAPTER  I. 

ORIGIN    OF   THE   AMERICAN   INDIANS. 

6.  WHEN  America  was  discovered  by  Europeans,  it  was 
occupied  by  tribes  differing  in  many  respects  from  the  na 
tions  of  the  old  world.     Their  manners,  customs,  languages, 
and  personal  appearance,  all  proclaimed  them  a  distinct  race. 
From  their  color,  they  were  by  some  styled  RED  MEN;  while 
the  erroneous  idea  of  early  adventurers  that  America  formed 
part  of  the  East  Indies,  led  to  their  being  called  INDIANS, 
and  by  this  name  they  have  generally  been  known.    As  these 
native  tribes  play  a  prominent  part  in  our  early  history,  it 
is  important  to  consider  their  origin  and  peculiarities,  their 
territorial  limits  and  mutual  relations. 

7.  We  must  first  ask  whence  and  how  America  was  peo 
pled.     It  is  separated  from  the  Eastern  Continent,  on  one 
side  by  three  thousand  miles  of  ocean,  and  on  the  other  by 
an  expanse  of  water  for  the  most  part  three  times  as  broad. 

6.  When  discovered,  by  -whom  was  America  occupied?  In  what  did  they  differ  from 
the  nations  of  the  old  world  ?  What  names  were  given  them,  and  why  ?  7.  What  would 
seem  to  render  it  impossible  for  America  to  have  been  peopled  from  the  Eastern  Conti- 


13    , .  ; .  r  :  ORIGIN  OF  -THE  .AMERICAN  INDIANS. 

Hence  it  seems,  at  first  glance,  almost  impossible  that  it 
should  have  been  reached,  in  an  age  when  ships  were  small 
and  frail,  when  the  mariner's  compass  was  unknown  and  the 
sailor  dared  not  trust  himself  out  of  sight  of  land.  This  led 
men  to  suppose  that  the  inhabitants  of  America  did  not  de 
scend  from  Adam  and  Eve,  but  from  a  race  previously  cre 
ated.  Such  a  theory  is  plainly  contrary  to  the  Bible  record, 
nor  is  it  needed  to  account  for  the  settlement  of  America. 

8.  Later  discoveries  have  brought  to  light  a  fact  unknown 
to  geographers  three  hundred  years  ago,  that  America  wi 
dens  rapidly  in  the  north,  and  there  juts  out  into  the  ocean 
till  it  comes  within  thirty-six  miles  of  Asia.     As  a  current 
sets  towards  the  American  shore,  the  passage  thither  can  be 
readily  made  even  in  rude  vessels.     Boats  may  have  been 
driven  over  by  stress  of  weather,  and  the  continent  thus 
have  been  discovered  without  design.     But  there  was  a  still 
easier  means  of  communication.    In  severe  seasons,  Behring's 
Strait  is  frozen  over.     Many  varieties  of  animals  have  passed 
on  the  ice  from  one  continent  to  the  other ;  and  the  first  oc 
cupants  of  America,  led  by  curiosity,  or  driven  by  violence, 
may  have  reached  the  new  world  in  the  same  manner. 

9.  At  what  time  this  event  took  place,  we  are  not  in 
formed.     History  makes  no  mention  of  it.     It  is  probable 
that  it  occurred  at  an  early  date,  not  many  centuries  after 
the  dispersion  at  Babel  and  the  consequent  emigration  from 
the  plain  of  Shi'nar.      Mankind  soon  spread  out  from  the 
limited  district  to  which  they  were  at  first  confined,  and  took 
possession  of  the  vacant  lands  around  them,  which,  a£  their 
numbers  increased,  became  necessary  to  their  comfort.    Thus 
they  gradually  found  their  way  to  Northeastern  Asia ;  and 
at  length  adventure  or  accident  made  them  acquainted  with 
the  existence  of  a  new  continent. 

10.  Behring's  Strait  or  the  northern  part  of  the  Pacific 

nent?  What  were  men  first  led  to  suppose?  What  book  contradicts  this  opinion? 
B.  IrVhat  fact  have  later  discoveries  brought  to  light?  How  near  do  tho  extreme  points 
of  America  and  Asia  come?  How  may  boats  have  been  driven  across?  What  easier 
means  of  access  was  there?  What,  besides  man,  appear  to  have  crossed  on  the  ice? 
9.  When  did  the  migration  to  America  take  place?  What  led  mankind  to  spread  out 
from  their  original  location?  Whore  at  last  did  they  find  themselves?  10.  How  do 


EARLY    VOYAGES.  13 

could  thus  have  been  easily  crossed ;  but  some  think  that 
ancient  navigators  first  reached  the  new  world  by  way  of  the 
Atlantic.  As  early  as  the  days  of  Solomon,  the  Phoenician 
seamen  made  voyages  to  O'-phir.  At  a  later  date,  Hanno, 
the  Carthaginian,  is  said  to  have  sailed  thirty  days  southwest 
from  the  Strait  of  Gibraltar.  The  early  Egyptian  navigators 
were  particularly  distinguished  for  then-  skill  and  daring; 
and  we  are  told  that  during  the  reign  of  Pharaoh  Necho 
[fa'-ro  ne'-ko],  about  COO  B.  c.,  a  company  of  explorers  started 
from  the  Isthmus 
of  Suez  [soo-ez'], 
on  the  Red  Sea, 
and  sailed  com 
pletely  round  Af 
rica  to  the  oppo 
site  point  of  the 

Isthmus,  — a    dis-   ,^.  vW/ 

tance    of    16,000   ; 

miles.      Other  re- 

i    1 1  !**»-'- 

markable  voyages 

are  recorded,  dur 
ing  some  of  which  nip* 
America  may  have  been  reached.     Plato  and  several  other 
ancient  writers  appear  to  have  been  aware  that  there  was  a 
large  body  of  land  in  the  west,  and  speak  of  an  island  in  that 
direction  more  extensive  than  Europe  and  Africa. 

11.  Some  historians  have  tried  to  trace,  the  American  In 
dians  to  the  ten  "  lost  tribes"  of  Israel,  who  were  conquered 
by  Shalmaneser  [shal-ma-ne'-zer],  king  of  Assyria,  about  700 
B.  c.  Many  of  the  vanquished  were  carried  into  captivity, 
and  uniting  with  their  conquerors  lost  all  separate  existence 
as  a  nation.  But  there  were  some,  who,  we  are  told  in 
Esdras,  "took  this  counsel  among  themselves,  that  they 

some  think  America  was  first  reached?  In  Solomon's  time,  what  voyages  were  made? 
At  a  later  date,  what  is  Hanno  said  to  have  done  ?  What  early  navigators  were  particu 
larly  distinguished  for  their  skill  ?  What  remarkable  voyage  of  theirs  is  mentioned? 
Who  appear  to  have  known  that  a  large  body  of  land  existed  in  the  west  ?  11.  To  whom 
have  some  tried  to  trace  the  American  Indians?  What  befell  these  ten  tribes'?  \Vh:it 
did  some  of  them  resolve  to  do?  Uow  fur  does  History  trace  them  ?  What  is  the  ouly 


14  ORIGIN   OF   THE   AMERICAN   INDIANS. 

would  leave  the  multitude  of  the  heathen,  and  go  forth  into 
a  further  country  where  never  mankind  dwelt".  These  un 
fortunate  remnants  of  the  ten  tribes  are  thought  by  some  to 
have  carried  out  their  design  by  crossing  into  America,  and 
there  to  have  become  the  progenitors  of  the  Indian  race. 

History  tells  us  that  they  advanced  as  far  as  Media.  Be 
yond  this,  we  know  nothing  of  their  travels ;  nor  is  there 
any  evidence  of  their  having  finally  settled  in  America  except 
a  fancied  resemblance  between  the  customs  and  religious 
ceremonies  of  the  Indians  and  those  of  the  ancient  Israelites. 
Both  had  their  priests  and  prophets,  their  washings  and 
anointings,  their  fasts,  feasts,  and  sacrifices.  But  neither 
these,  nor  other  alleged  points  of  resemblance,  are  sufficient 
to  prove  the  theory. 

12.  It  seems  far  more  probable  that  the  first  settlers  of 
America  were  from  Egypt.  Their  taste  and  skill  in  build 
ing  would  indicate  this,  as  weh1  as  the  fact  that  in  different 
caves  in  the  West  bodies  have  been  found,  preserved  some 
what  in  the  style  of  Egyptian  mummies. 

The  history  of  these  early  immigrants  seems  to  be  as  fol 
lows  : — Soon  after  the  Confusion  of  Languages,  a  large  body 
of  men,  after  a  temporary  residence  in  Central  India,  driving 
their  flocks  before  them,  moved  to  Egypt,  and  conquered  its 
original  settlers,  the  descendants  of  Miz'-ra-im.  Under  the 
name  of  Shepherd  Kings,  they  there  founded  a  noble  empire, 
built  large  cities,  and  erected  massive  pyramids  which  still 
remain  as  monuments  of  their  power.  The  Mizraimites, 
however,  roused  by  their  tyranny,  finally  rose  against  them,, 
and  after  a  long  contest  drove  them  from  the  land.  The  de 
feated  Shepherds,  in  quest  of  a  new  home,  turned  their  course 
to  the  northeast,  and  left  numerous  traces  of  their  passage 
through  Central  Asia  and  Siberia  in  the  form  of  well-built 
walls  and  mounds.  They  are  supposed  at  last  to  have  crossed 
into  America  in  the  manner  before  described,  to  have  erected 


evidence  of  their  having  reached  America  ?  Mention  these  points  of  resemblance.  Are 
they  sufficient  to  prove  the  theory?  12.  What  seems  far  more  probable?  What  evi 
dence  is  there  that  the  first  settlers  of  America  came  from  Egypt?  Give  the  history  of 
Uie  Shepherd  Kings.  What  aro  they  finally  supposed  to  have  done?  When  wan  the 


SUCCESSIVE   EMIGRATIONS    TO    AMERICA.  15 

the  mounds  and  ancient  works  whose  remains  are  still  visible 
in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  and  ultimately  to  have  made 
their  way  to  Mexico,  and  buUt  the  city  of  that  name  early  in 
the  fourteenth  century. 

13.  The  Indians  of  America  must  have  sprung  from  later 
bodies  of  Asiatic  adventurers  than  the  Mexicans.    Behring's 
Strait,  or  the  ocean  near  it,  may  often  have  been  crossed  du 
ring  the  lapse  of  ages ;  and,  judging  from  the  difference  of 
character  and  language  in  the  various  tribes,  it  is  highly 
probable  that  the  passage  was  made  a  number  of  times  at 
different  eras.     Curious  aboriginal  remains  are  still  to  be 
seen  in  various  parts  of  our  country,  which  show  that  the 
first  settlers  arrived  there  at  a  very  early  period,  before  they 
had  forgotten  the  mechanical  arts  through  the  allurements 
of  forest  life.     They  were  probably  followed  by  less  civilized 
bands,  who  drove  them  from  their  original  seats.     Thus  suc 
cessive  immigrations  may  have  taken  place,  each  party  of 
new-comers  pushing  its  predecessors  further  east  and  south, 
and  being  themselves  afterwards  driven  in  these  directions, 
until  the  whole  continent  was  peopled. 

14.  The  traditions  current  among  the  Indians  throw  but 
little  light  on  their  origin.     They  have  a  general  belief  that 
they  are  aborigines,  or,  in  other  words,  that  they  sprung  from 
the  earth  and  are  not  connected  with  any  other  people.    By 
one  account  they  are  represented  as  having  climbed  up  the 
roots  of  a  large  vine  from  the  interior  of  the  globe.    Accord 
ing  to  another,  their  ancestors,  while  living  as  they  had 
done  for  ages  under  ground,  accidentally  espied  the  light  of 
day  through  the  opening  of  a  cavern,  and  by  dint  of  great 
efforts  scaled  the  walls  of  their  subterranean  prison  and  came 
out  upon  the  surface. 

Some  of  the  Red  Men,  however,  retain  an  indistinct  tradi 
tion  of  having  crossed  a  tract  of  water  to  reach  their  present 
habitations.  The  Ath-a-pas'-cas,  who  bear  a  striking  resem- 

dty  of  Mexico  founded  ?  13.  What  reason  is  there  for  thinking  that  Behring's  Strait 
wus  crossed  a  number  of  times  ?  What  are  to  be  seen  in  various  parts  of  our  country  f 
What  do  these  snow  ?  By  whom  were  the  first  immigrants  followed  ?  14.  What  is  the 
general  belief  of  the  Indians  respecting  their  origin?  How  do  different  accounts  repre 
sent  them  as  baving  reached  the  surface  of  the  earth?  What  tradition  do  some  tribes 


16  THE   GKEAT   INDIAN    FAMILIES. 

blance  in  dress  and  manners  to  the  people  of  Eastern  Asia, 
say  that  they  once  lived  in  a  region  far  to  the  west.  The 
Chepeweyans  \tsliep-e-wa! -anz\,  also,  state  that  they  originally 
came  from  another  land,  inhabited  by  very  wicked  people ; 
that  they  were  obliged  to  traverse  a  narrow  lake,  shallow 
and  full  of  islands,  on  which  they  suffered  greatly  from  cold 
and  encountered  immense  masses  of  ice  and  snow.  If  this 
"  narrow  lake"  was  Behring's  Strait  or  the  northern  extrem 
ity  of  the  Pacific,  the  islands  referred  to  may  have  been  the 
Aleutian  [a-leu'-she-an]  group,  in  which  inexperienced  navi 
gators  would  be  very  likely  to  become  entangled. 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE   GKEAT   INDIAN   FAMILIES. 

15.  THE  various  Indian  tribes  that  occupied  America  on 
the  first  arrival  of  Europeans  closely  resembled  each  other  in 
customs,  complexion,  and  general  appearance.     There  were 
minor  points  of  difference,  but  these  were  hardly  sufficient 
for  grouping  them  into  great  families.     This  could  not  be 
done  till  their  languages  were  compared;  and  it  was  then 
found  that  the  numerous  tribes  east  of  the  Mississippi  and 
south  of  the  St.  Lawrence  sprung  from  eight  parent  stocks. 
Little  was  then  known  respecting  those  west  of  the  Missis 
sippi,  nor  have  we  yet  sufficient  acquaintance  with  them  for 
a  proper  classification. 

16.  These  eight  great  families  are  known  by  the  following 
names:  Algonquin  \al-ztion' -kwiii\,  Huron-Iroquois  [hu'-ron 
e '-ro-kwaJi\,  Dah-ko'-tah  or  Sioux  [soo],  Ca-taw'-ba,  Cher-o- 
kee',  U'-chee,  Nat'-chez,  and  Mo-biT-i-an.     The   Map   on 
page  10  shows  their  respective  locations  in  the  year  1650,  be 
fore  which  the  interior  of  the  continent  was  but  little  known. 

retain  ?    What  do  the  Athapascas  believe  1    "What,  the  Chepeweyans  ?    What  islands 
may  be  referred  to  in  this  story  ? 

15.  In  what  did  all  the  Indians  closely  resemble  each  other?  What  was  necessary 
before  they  could  be  grouped  into  families  ?  How  many  great  families  were  there  found 
to  be?  What  is  said  of  the  tribes  west  of  the  Mississippi?  16.  Name  the  eight  great 


ALGONQUIN    TRIBES.  IT 

Among  these  families,  the  widely  extended  Esquimaux 
[es'-ke-mo]  (fish-eaters)  are  not  included.  They  do  not  lie 
within  the  limits  of  the  United  States,  but  occupy  the  shores 
of  all  the  seas,  bays,  and  inlets  of  America,  north  of  lat.  60°. 

1 7.  The  Algonquin  was  the  largest  of  these  families.     It 
occupied  about  half  the  territory  now  embraced  in  the  United 
States  east  of  the  Mississippi,  and  contained  as  many  warriors 
as  the  remaining  families  put  together.     It  even  extended 
north  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  including,  among  other  tribes, 
the  Knisteneaux  [raV-fe-wo],  scattered  throughout  the  wide 
tract  between  Hudson's  Bay  and  the  Rocky  Mountains. 
The  Algonquin  family  embraced  most  of  the  nations  connect 
ed  with  the  history  of  the  first  settlers :  the  Nar-ra-gan'-setts, 
Wampanoags  \wom-parno' -agz\,  Pe'-quods,  and  Paw-tuck'- 
ets,  in  New  England ;  the  Mo-he'-gans,  on  Long  Island  and 
the  banks  of  the  Hudson ;  the  Delawares,  who  owned  an  ex 
tensive  tract  on  the  river  now  called  by  their  name ;  and  the 
Pow-ha-tans',  originally  a  confederacy  of  more  than  twenty 
tribes  on  Chesapeake  Bay,  afterwards  exterminated  by  war 
and  disease.    The  Ottawas  [ot'-ta-wawz],  Chip'-pe-ways,  Sacs 
and  Foxes,  Miamis  \me-am' -eez\,  Shaw-nees,  and  other  west 
ern  tribes,  were  also  Algonquins. 

Though  speaking  dialects  of  one  great  language,  and 
grouped  in  the  same  family,  many  of  the  smaller  Algonquin 
tribes  were  constantly  at  war  with  each  other,  their  hostility 
often  arising  from  trifling  causes,  and  being  handed  down 
from  generation  to  generation.  Their  numbers  were  thus 
kept  reduced,  and  it  was  not  rare  for  a  tribe  to  become  in 
this  way  entirely  extinct. 

18.  Surrounded  by  the  Algonquins,  but  occupying  a  large 
tract  and  enjoying  a  high  reputation  for  prowess,  the  Huron- 
Iroquois  was  the  next  family  in  importance.     They  covered 

families.  What  extensive  family  is  not  included  among  them  ?  What  does  the  word 
Esquimaux  signify?  What  part  of  America  do  they  occupy?  17.  Which  was  the 
largest  of  these  families  ?  How  much  territory  did  it  occupy  ?  North  of  the  St.  Law 
rence,  what  large  tribe  did  it  embrace  ?  Mention  some  of  the  tribes  belonging  to  the 
Algonquin  family,  and  their  respective  locations.  "What  kept  many  of  .the  Algonquin 
tribes  reduced  in  number  ?  In  what  did  their  hostility  often  originate  ?  18.  What  faru- 
Uy  was  next  in  importance  to  the  Algonquins ?  Where  did  they  live?  Mention  the 


18  THE   GKEAT   INDIAN   FAMILIES. 

a  great  part  of  the  state  of  New  York,  as  well  as  the  Cana 
dian  peninsula  formed  by  Lakes  Ontario,  Erie,  and  Huron. 
To  this  family  belonged  the  Hurons  or  Wy'-an-dots,  the 
E'-ries,  and  the  formidable  confederated  tribes  generally 
known  as  the  Five  Nations,  who  were  afterwards  joined  by 
the  Tus-ca-ro'-ras,  a  kindred  tribe  from  Carolina.  The  Iro- 
quois  proper,  or  Five  Nations,  were  as  distinguished  for 
their  intelligence  as  for  their  superior  skill  and  courage  in 
war.  They  displayed  great  wisdom  in  the  management  of 
their  domestic  affairs,  and  advanced  further  in  the  aits  of 
Indian  life  than  the  rest  of  their  race.  Conscious  that  they 
owed  their  strength  to  union,  they  maintained  their  confed 
eracy  with  the  utmost  care,  and  thus  were  more  than  a 
match  for  enemies  that  met  them  singly.  Their  position,  as 
may  be  seen  from  the  Map,  was  highly  favorable.  Lake 
Ontario  on  the  north,  and  an  extensive  mountain  range  on 
the  southeast,  served  as  bulwarks  against  their  enemies; 
while  their  intercourse  with  the  Dutch  settlements  kept 
them  well  supplied  with  arms  and  ammunition. 

19.  The  Dahkotahs,  or  Sioux,  a  widely  extended  family, 
lived  mostly  west  of  the  Mississippi.    Hence  little  was  known 
about  them  by  early  settlers.     One  Dahkotah  tribe,  the 
Win-ne-ba'-goes,  migrated  eastward,  at  what  period  we  are 
not  informed,  and  settled  on  the  western  coast  of  Lake 
Michigan  \misk-e-ffan'~\  among  the  Algonqums.     The  prom 
inent  members  of  the  Dahkotah  family  were  the  Man'-dans, 
I'-o-was,    Mis-sou'-ries,   O-sa'-ges,  Arkansas  [ahrf -kan-saw]^ 
and  Kan'-sas. 

20.  The  Ca-taw'-bas,  living  in  the  interior  of  Carolina, 
south  of  the  original  seat  of  the  Tuscaroras,  were  once  a 
powerful  people.     Becoming  engaged  in  war  with  the  Iro- 
quois,  they  were  vanquished  and  nearly  destroyed.     Hardly 
a  hundred  now  survive. 

21.  West  of  the  Catawbas  lived  the  Cherokees.     Occupy- 

principal  Huron-Iroquois  tribes.  For  what  were  the  Five  Nations  distinguished?  To 
what  was  much  of  their  strength  owing?  What  advantages  did  their  position  have  ? 
19.  Where  did  the  Dahkotahs  live?  What  tribe  of  this  family  migrated  eastward? 
Where  did  they  settle?  Mention  some  prominent  Dahkotah  tribes.  20.  "Where  did 
the  Catawbas  live  ?  By  whom  were  they  vanquished  ?  "W  hat  is  their  present  condit  ion  P 


UCHEES,    NATCHEZ,    MOBILIAN   TRIBES.  19 

ing  the  fastnesses  of  the  Blue  Ridge  and  the  Alleghanies, 
they  were  the  mountaineers  of  eastern  America.  In  spite 
of  long  and  bloody  wars  with  their  hereditary  foes,  the 
Shawnees,  and  other  nations,  they  now  constitute  one  of  the 
largest,  as  well  as  the  most  civilized  and  prosperous,  Indian 
tribes  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States.  They  number 
about  15,000  souls,  having,  unlike  most  of  their  race,  become 
more  numerous  since  exchanging  savage  for  civilized  life. 

22.  The  Uchees,  a  small  tribe  little  known  in  history,  were 
the  sixth  of  the  great  families.     They  were  never  known  to 
change  their  location,  and  boasted  that  they  were  the  oldest 
inhabitants  of  the  region  in  which  they  were  found.     This 
was  the  northern  part  of  Georgia.     Their  language  was  pe 
culiarly  harsh  and  guttural. 

23.  On  the  east  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  in  the  neighbor 
hood  of  the  city  now  called  by  their  name,  lived  the  Natchez ; 
a  tribe  said  to  have  been  connections  of  the  Mexicans,  and  to 
have  possessed  at  one  time  an  extended  dominion.     They 
probably  settled  in  this  locality  early  in  the  sixteenth  century, 
as  they  retained  a  tradition  of  having  seen,  far  in  the  south 
west  where  they  formerly  lived,  "  warriors  of  fire,"  by  which 
name  they  no  doubt  designated  the  soldiers  of  Cortez.     The 
Natchez  were  nearly  destroyed  by  the  French  in  1730. 
From   a  few  survivors,  who   crossed  the  Mississippi  into 
Louisiana,  the  Ten'-sas  Indians  are  supposed  to  have  sprung. 

24.  The  Mobilian  family,  otherwise  called  the  Mus-co'-gee- 
Choc'-taw,  remains  to  be  noticed.     This  group  of  tribes  ex* 
tended  over  the  region  which  now  forms  the  southern  part  of 
the  United  States ;  being  bounded  on  the  northeast  by  the 
Cape  Fear  River,  and  reaching  as  far  north  as  the  mouth  of 
the  Tennessee.     It  included  many  powerful  nations,  the  most 
important  of  which  was  the  Creek,  or  Muscogee.     Though 

21.  "West  of  the  Catawbas,  what  family  was  found?  What  are  they  called,  and  why? 
With  whom  did  they  wage  protracted  wars?  What  is  their  present  condition  ?  How 
many  do  they  number  ? "  22.  What  was  the  sixth  great  family  ?  What  was  their  boast? 
\Vhoro  did  they  live?  Describe  their  language.  23.  Where  did  the  Natchez  live? 
With  whom  were  they  connected?  When  did  they  probably  settle  in  this  region? 
What  tradition  did  they  retain  ?  What  happened  to  the  Natchez  in  1730  r  What  tribo 
is  thought  to  have  sprung  from  them?  24.  Where  did  the  Mobilian  tribes  lie?  What 
bounded  them  on  the  north  and  northeast?  What  was  the  most  important  tribe  of  thia 


20  INDIAN   LANGUAGES. 

fond  of  war,  they  paid  considerable  attention  to  agriculture ; 
and  in  the  intervals  between  their  military  expeditions  their 
warriors  assisted  the  women  in  tilling  the  soil.  Like  the  Iro- 
quois  in  the  north,  the  Creeks  unitefr  the  neighboring  tribes 
with  themselves  in  a  confederacy,  which  greatly  increased 
their  power.  Among  the  nations  thus  allied  to  them  at  a 
later  day,  were  the  Sem'-i-noles,  who  have  long  troubled  our 
government  in  Florida. 

The  brave  Chick'-a-saws,  also  members  of  the  Mobilian 
group,  dwelt  on  the  banks  of  the  great  "  Father  of  Waters" 
(the  Mississippi),  north  of  the  Natchez.  On  the  other  side 
of  the  latter,  towards  the  Tom-big'-bee,  lived  the  Choctaws, 
in  a  delightful  country,  which  yielded  rich  crops  almost  with 
out  cultivation. 

25.  Besides  the  tribes  mentioned  above,  there  were  many 
others  of  less  importance.  Yet  at  no  time,  before  or  after  its 
discovery,  was  there  a  dense  Indian  population  in  America. 
Most  of  the  minor  tribes  were  small ;  and  from  all  that  can 
be  gathered,  it  would  seem  as  if  the  aborigines  south  of  the 
St.  Lawrence  and  east  of  the  Mississippi  were  not,  when  dis 
covered  by  Columbus,  more  than  200,000  in  number. 


CHAPTER  III. 

INDIAN    LANGUAGES. 

26.  THE  language  of  a  people  often  sheds  light  upon  its 
history,  tells  where  it  came  from,  unfolds  the  relations  it  has 
sustained  to  other  nations,  and  affords  a  key  to  its  character. 
Sufficient  difference  has  been  found  in  the  various  Indian  lan 
guages  spoken  in  America  to  enable  us  to  group  the  tribes 
that  used  them  into  eight  families ;  yet  in  many  respects  they 
bear  a  general  resemblance  to  each  other.  They  are  all  com- 

family?    To  what  did  they  pay  attention?    In  what  did  they  imitate  the  Iroquois? 
What  tribe  was  a  member  of  the  Creek  confederacy  ?    Where  did  the  Chickasaws  live  ? 
Where,  the  Choctaws?    25.  What  is  said  of  the  Indian  population  of  America?    What 
is  it  estimated  to  have  been  at  the  time  of  the  discovery  ? 
26   What  does  the  language  of  a  people  often  do?    What  is  said  of  the  Indian  Ian- 


WANT    OF   ABSTRACT   TERMS.  21 

plete  and  consistent,  all  subject  to  great  rules  and  principles. 
There  is  a  wild  grandeur  about  them,  yet  less  irregularity 
than  marks  more  cultivated  tongues.  Acquainted  only  with 
nature,  a  total  stranger  to  art,  science,  commerce,  and  me 
chanical  industry,  the  Indian  needed  but  few  words :  yet,  as 
a  human  being,  subject  to  the  same  passions  as  others,  he 
required  a  language  capable  of  expressing  his  thoughts  and 
feelings ;  and  this  we  find  him  possessing  in  all  parts  of  the 
continent. 

27.  The  organs  of  the  Indian  were  the  same  as  those  of 
the  European.     In  speaking,  both  used  the  tongue,  palate, 
lips,  and  throat ;  and  therefore  the  sounds  produced  by  both 
were  in  a  great  measure  the  same.     Certain  tribes,  however, 
had  certain  peculiarities.     The  Algonquins  had  no  f\  the 
Iroquois  had  no  m,  &,  p,  /,  or  v,  and,  except  the  Oneidas, 
no  I.     Some  of  the  Algonquin  dialects  were  harsh  from  the 
frequent  recurrence  of  consonants ;  but  most  of  the  Indian 
tongues  were  remarkable  for  their  softness  and  music.     Par 
ticularly  was  this  the  case  with  Cherokee,  every  syllable  of 
which  ended  with  a  vowel. 

28.  The  Indian  had  a  name  for  whatever  he  could  see, 
hear,  or  feel ;  but  he  had  few  words  to  express  abstract  ideas. 
Thus  in  none  of  the  American  dialects  was  there  any  single 
term  for  justice,  temperance^  or  virtue.     The  difference  be 
tween  savage  and  civilized  life  was  so  great  that  a  vast  num 
ber  of  words  necessary  in  the  latter  were  wholly  unknown  to 
the  Red  Man.    When  introduced  into  his  language,  they  had 
to  be  expressed  by  long  compounds  describing  the  object  or 
action  by  means  of  words  already  existing.     The  Indian,  for 
example,  never  kneels;  when,  therefore,  the  missionary  Eliot 
wished  to  use  this  term  in  translating  the  Bible,  he  had  to 
form  an  uncouth  word  of  eleven  syllables, — wutappesittuk- 
qusswmooicehtunkquoh. 

guages  ?  Why  did  the  Indian  need  but  few  words  ?  Asa  human  being,  to  what  extent 
did  he  require  language?  27.  How  did  the  Indian's  organs  compare  with  the  Euro 
pean's  ?  What  did  both  use  in  speaking?  What  letter  did  the  Algonquins  never  use  ? 
What  letters  were  wanting  in  Iroquois?  What  rendered  some  Algonquin  dialects 
harsh  What  was  the  general  character  of  the  Indian  tongues  ?  What  is  said  of  Cher 
okee  ?  28.  For  what  had  the  Indian  names,  and  for  what  not  T  To  express  many  of 


22  INDIAN   LANGUAGES. 

29.  In  all  the  American  languages,  objects  and  actions 
were  seldom  expressed  apart  from  their  relations.     Nouns 
rarely  appeared  without  adjectives  or  limiting  terms,  and  the 
pronoun  was  incorporated  with  the  verb.     A  complete  sen 
tence,  which  would  require  ten  or  a  dozen  words  in  English, 
was  often  expressed  by  a  single  compound  embodying  in  it 
self  subject,  adjective,  verb,  and  object.     When  any  of  these 
was  changed,  a  new  form  became  necessary,  so  that  some 
verbs  had  more  than  five  thousand  variations.    This  mode  of 
expression  prevailed,  because  the  Indian  naturally  represented 
an  object  just  as  it  appeared  to  his  senses,  that  is  with  all  its 
associations. 

30.  Languages  that  combine  the  powers  of  different  parts 
of  speech  in  a  single  word  are  called  synthetic*     Such  are 
all  the  Indian  tongues;  and  in  this  they  somewhat  resem 
ble  Hebrew.     Synthetic  languages  are  difficult  to  learn,  and 
do  not  afford   the   same   facility  of  expression  as  those  in 
which  each  object  and  action  has  a  name  that  can  be  used 
independently  of  its  relations.     Nor  are  they  as  capable  of 
improvement ;  the  Indian,  instead  of  simplifying  his  syntax, 
adds  syllable  to  syllable,  till  his  words  become  of  great  length, 
while  the  learner  is  embarrassed  by  the  numerous  changes  of 
form  required  by  different  modifications  of  the  idea. 

31.  None  of  the  Indian  languages  were  written ;   they 
had  no  letters  with  which  their  words  could  be  represented. 
Since  white  men,  however,  have  become  acquainted  with  the 
aboriginal  tongues,  they  have  taken  the  letters  of  the  English 
alphabet  to  denote  their  sounds,  and  have  thus  been  able  to 
write  as  well  as  speak  them.     The  Cherokees  alone  have  an 
alphabet  devised  by  one  of  their  own  number.    The  name  of 
this  ingenious  native  was  Se-quo'-yah,  or,  as  he  is  generally 

our  words,  what  kind  of  compounds  had  to  be  formed  ?  Illustrate  this  with  the  word 
kneel.  29.  How  were  objects  and  actions  seldom  expressed?  With  what  were  nouns 
and  verbs  commonly  united?  How  was  a  complete  sentence  often  expressed?  What 
was  necessary  for  the  least  change  of  idea?  How  many  variations  had  some  verbs? 
Why  did  this  mode  of  expression  prevail  ?  30.  What  epithet  is  applied  to  the  Indian 
languages?  What  is  meant  by  a  synthetic  language  ?  In  this  respect,  what  tongue  do 
they  resemble  ?  What  is  said  of  synthetic  languages  ?  By  what  is  the  learner  of  an 
Indian  tongue  embarrassed?  81.  Were  the  Indian  languages  originally  written?  How 
have  white  men  represented  their  sounds?  What  tribe  have  an  alphabet  devised  by 


INDIAN    HIEROGLYPHICS.  2,6 

called,  George  Guess.  Seeing  the  books  used  by  the  mission 
aries,  and  being  told  that  the  characters  they  contained  rep 
resented  the  sounds  used  hi  speaking,  he  set  about  making 
an  alphabet  for  his  own  tongue.  Strange  to  say,  without  any 
knowledge  of  other  languages,  he  succeeded.  Instead  of 
analyzing  words  into  letters,  he  went  no  further  than  sylla 
bles,  and  found  that  by  eighty-five  characters  every  word  in 
his  language  could  be  represented.  In  European  tongues,  so 
great  is  the  variety  of  syllables  that  an  alphabet  of  this  kind 
would  be  next  to -useless;  but  in  Cherokee,  since  there  are 
only  eighty-five  syllables  used,  it  answers  the  purpose  better 
than  an  alphabet  of  letters.  Printed  Cherokee  words  are 
very  short,  for  they  contain  only  as  many  characters  as  there 
are  syllables  in  each ;  and  a  few  days'  study  will  enable  one 
to  read  and  write  the  language  with  ease.  Syllabic  alphabets 
have  since  been  invented  for  other  Indian  tongues. 

32.  The  Indian  could  not  write,  but  he  could  convey  his 
thoughts  imperfectly  by  hieroglyphics,  like  the  Egyptians 
and  other  ancient  nations.     Certain  symbols  were  taken  to 
denote  certain  ideas ;  and  these  were  drawn  or  painted  on 
prepared  skins  or  the  inner  bark  of  the  white-birch,  in  a  rude 
manner,  but  still  accurately  enough  to  be  understood  by  those 
acquainted  with  the  system.    Hieroglyphics  of  this  kind  have 
been  found  chiselled  on  rocks  in  different  parts  of  the  country. 

33.  The  plate  given  below  will  serve  as  a  specimen  of  In 
dian  picture-writing.     Schoolcraft  presents  it  as  a  copy  of  a 
drawing  made  by  two  Indians  whom  he  employed  as  guides, 
when  travelling  from  the  St.  Louis  River  to  the  Mississippi. 
The  bark  containing  these  symbols  was  found  attached  to  a 
pole  about  nine  feet  high.     It  had  been  placed  there  by  the 
guides,  for  the  purpose  of  informing  any  of  their  comrades 
into  whose  hands  it  might  fall  that  a  party  of  fourteen  white 
men  and  two  Indians  had  passed  the  night  at  that  place. 

one  of  their  own  number?  What  was  the  inventor's  name?  Describe  his  system. 
Why  would  it  not  answer  in  European  tongues?  What  is  said  of  printed  Cherokee 
words?  To  what  has  this  system  been  extended  ?  32.  Though  he  could  not  write,  how 
could  the  Indian  convey  his  thoughts?  How  were  certain  ideas  denoted?  On  what 
were  these  hieroglyphics  drawn  ?  Where  have  they  been  found  chiselled  ?  88.  What 
does  the  specimen  gh  en  above  represent?  Where  was  the  bark  containing  these  sym- 


INDIAN    LANGUAGES. 


The  eight  figures  with  hats  on,  in  the  upper  row,  indicate  that  there 
were  eight  white  soldiers ;  and  the  muskets  beside  them  show  how  they 
were  armed.  In  the  second  row,  No.  1,  with  the  sword,  represents  the 
commander  of  the  party ;  No.  2,  with  the  book,  IA  the  secretary ;  No.  3, 
with  a  hammer,  is  the  geologist ;  4,  5,  6,  are  attendants.  Nos.  7  and  8 
represent  the  two  guides,  who  are  distinguished  from  the  white  men  by 
being  drawn  without  hats.  Figure  11  represents  a  prairie-hen,  and 
12  a  tortoise,  which  formed  their  meal  at  the  encampment.  Figures 
13,  14,  and  15,  indicate  that  there  were  three  fires;  one  for  the  soldiers, 
another  for  the  officers,  and  a  third  for  the  Indiana  The  inclination  of 
the  pole  showed  the  direction  in  which  the  party  was  about  to  go. 

34.  With  the  aid  of  pictures  like  the  above,  the  Red  Men 
communicated  with  each  other.  They  also  sometimes  re 
corded  important  public  events  for  the  benefit  of  future  ages 
by  engraving  symbolic  characters  on  rocks  and  trees.  But 
since,  with  their  imperfect  tools,  this  was  a  laborious  process, 
it  was  seldom  done ;  and,  therefore,  the  Indians  knew  little 
of  their  past  history  except  what  was  learned  from  oral  tradi 
tion,  that  is,  from  stories  handed  down  from  father  to  son. 
In  the  course  of  years,  much  that  was  false  was  added  to 
these  accounts ;  yet,  having  no  books  by  which  he  could  test 

bols  found  ?  What  information  was  it  intended  to  convey  ?  Describe  the  figures,  and 
tell  what  they  represent.  34.  How  did  the  Red  Men  sometimes  record  public  events  ? 
What  prevented  them  from  doing  this  oftener  ?  Whence  did  they  obtain  most  of  their 
knowledge  of  the  past  ?  What  ia  the  character  of  most  Indian  traditions  ?  What  is  tho 


INDIAN   TRADITIONS.  25 

their  truth,  the  Red  Man  relied  implicitly  on  whatever  he 
had  thus  received. 

The  Muscogee  account  of  the  Deluge  may  be  taken  as  an 
example  of  the  mixture"  of  truth  and  error  in  Indian  tradi 
tions.  It  places  that  event  before  the  creation  of  man,  and 
represents  two  pigeons  as  having  been  sent  forth  in  search  of 
land  while  most  of  the  earth  was  still  covered  with  water. 
At  first  they  were  unsuccessful;  but,  on  having  gone  forth 
again,  they  brought  back  a  blade  of  grass,  and  soon  after  the 
waters  subsided,  and  land  appeared.  This  tribe  believe  that 
their  ancestors  always  lived  in  some  part  of  North  America. 
They  deny  that  any  nation  more  civilized  than  themselves 
ever  occupied  the  country  before  them.  According  to  their 
traditions,  they  conquered  a  people  who  were  journeying  to 
the  south,  but  were  never  themselves  conquered  until  their 
conflicts  with  the  whites.  Before  the  arrival  of  the  latter, 
they  enjoyed  a  greater  degree  of  peace  than  ever  afterwards, 
and  were  less  afflicted  with  disease.  Such  traditions,  it  will 
be  seen,  tell  us  little  about  the  history  of  the  country  before 
its  discovery  by  Columbus. 

35.  The  language  of  the  Indian,  in  ordinary  conversation 
as  well  as  formal  speeches,  was  highly  figurative  and  often 
sublime.  Familiar  with  nature  in  all  her  variety  and  majesty, 
the  Red  Man  delighted  in  drawing  his  figures  from  the  ob 
jects  which  she  presented.  If  he  wished  to  express  the  idea 
of  prosperity,  he  would  speak  of  a  brilliant  sun ;  adversity 
he  would  represent  by  lowering  clouds ;  to  proclaim  war  was 
to  dig  up  the  tomahawk ;  to  make  peace  was  to  smoke  the 
calumet.  Many  Indian  chiefs  were  as  distinguished  for  their 
eloquence  as  for  their  courage.  Their  delivery  was  anima 
ted,  dignified,  and  forcible ;  their  gesticulation,  graceful  and 
natural.  Some  of  their  speeches  have  scarcely  been  surpassed 
by  the  greatest  efforts  of  civilized  orators. 

Muscogee  tradition  respecting  the  Deluge?  What  other  traditions  are  held  by  this 
tribe  ?  35.  What  is  said  of  the  language  of  the  Indian  in  conversation  ?  From  what  did 
the  Red  Man  draw  his  figures?  Give  examples.  For  what  have  many  chiefe  bern 
distinguished  ? 

2 


26  ABORIGINAL    REMAINS. 


CHAPTER  .IV. 

ABORIGINAL      REMAINS. 

86.  ALLUSION  has  been  made  to  relics  of  the  aborigines, 
found  in  different  parts  of  the  country.  These  may  be  di 
vided  into  two  classes : — first,  those  of  more  recent  origin, 
evidently  the  work  of  an  uncivilized  people,  such  as  orna 
ments,  rude  weapons,  and  imperfect  utensils ;  and  secondly, 
those  which,  from  their  ingenious  design  and  superior  finish, 
must  be  attributed  to  a  race  far  above  the  savage  state. 
These  consist  chiefly  of  stone  and  metallic  implements,  finely 
wrought  pottery,  mounds,  and  the  remains  of  walls  and  for 
tifications, — all  showing  a  high  degree  of  mechanical  skill, 
of  which  the  Indian,  as  long  as  he  has  been  known  to  Euro 
peans,  has  never  proved  himself  capable. 

37.  Most  of  the  metallic  remains  are  of  copper,  well  plated, 
in  a  few  instances,  with  silver.     Bracelets,  medals,  arrow 
heads,  and  pipe-bowls,  of  the  former  metal,  have  been  found 
at  great  depths  below  the  surface  of  the  earth.   At  Marietta, 
Ohio,  in  a  mound  which  had  become  partly  undermined  by 
a  stream,  a  silver  cup  was  discovered,  with  a  regular  and 
polished  surface,  finely  gilt  on  the  inside.     Isinglass  mirrors 
have  also  been  dug  up  in  various  places. 

38.  Numerous  remains   of  ancient   pottery  have   been 
brought  to  light,  which  equal  the  best  specimens  of  modern 
manufacture.     They  are  tastefully  moulded,  finely  glazed, 
and  colored  in  a  superior  manner.     Entire  vessels,  as  well  as 
numerous  fragments,  have  been  discovered  many  feet  be 
neath  the  surface,  where  they  must  have  lain  for  centuries. 
At  Nashville,  Tennessee,  a  circular  vessel  was  found  by  some 
workmen,  resting  on  a  rock  at  a  depth  of  twenty  feet.     The 
bottom  rounded  upwards,  and  terminated  at  the  summit  in 

36.  Into  how  many  and  what  classes  may  the  aboriginal  remains  be  divided  ?  Of 
what  do  the  first  class  consist  ?  Of  what,  the  second  ?  37.  What  metallic  remains  have 
boon  found  ?  What  was  discovered  at  Marietta,  O.  ?  38.  What  is  said  of  the  specimens 
of  pottery  that  have  been  dug  up  ?  What  was  found  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  ?  Enumerate 


INDIAN    RKI.I'S. 


1,  2,  8,  4,  pipe- 
bowls  ;  5,  6,  pipes  ; 
7,  stone  mortar  for 
grinding  corn  ;  8, 

stone  corn-cracker;  9,  10,  front  and 
side  view  of  a  spoon  ;  11,  bone   reed, 
for  making  twine;     12,    bone   fish-hook 
13,  bone  shuttle;   14,  stone  arrow-heads;   15, 
1G,  stone  pots  ;  17,  awls  made  of  deera'  antlers; 
18,  quoit;  19,  20,  spear.heads. 

a  female  head  covered  with  a  conical  cap. 
Huge  fragments  of  earthen-ware,  as  well  as 
urns  of  elegant  patterns,  and  large  vessels 
regularly  formed,  have  been  found  at  great 
depths  in  some  of  the  mounds  described  be 
low. 

At  the  Illinois  state  salt-works  is  a  large  pit  400 
feet  in  circumference,  which,  besides  ashes  and 
fragments  of  pottery,  contained  the  remains  of  a 
well  and  drain.  Hence  it  is  supposed  that  the 
manufacture  of  salt  was  here  carried  on  many  years  ago. 
Similar  discoveries  have  been  made  at  other  salt  springs, 
and  vessels  have  been  dug  up  of  a  shape  and  strength 
suitable  for  evaporating  water,  as  is  now  done  in  making 
salt.  Wc'll-bunie.l  bricks,  laid  in  the  form  of  lire-places  and 

ibe  Indian  relics  represented  in  the  enpraving.    What  was  found  nt  the  Illinois  state 
salt- works T    What  conclusion  Is  drawn  from  this?     What  else  have  been  brought  to 


28  ABORIGINAL    REMAINS. 

chimneys,  have  also  been  brought  to  light  several  feet  below 
the  surface,  beneath  trees  that  have  stood  for  centuries. 

39.  The  number  of  mounds  erected  by  the  early  and  civ 
ilized  inhabitants  of  this  continent  is  variously  estimated  at 
from  five  to  ten  thousand.  Scattered  throughout  the  wholo 
region  now  occupied  by.  the  United  States,  Mexico,  and 
Central  America,  they  are  most  numerous  in  the  two  last 
named  countries,  and  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi  and 
the  Missouri.  Some  of  them  seem  to  have  been  erected  for 
religious  purposes,  others  as  means  of  defence,  and  a  third 
class  as  burial  places  for  the  dead.  The  last  are  the  most 
frequent,  and  have  furnished  the  greater  part  of  the  orna 
ments  and  urns  mentioned  above.  A  mound  of  this  class, 
150  feet  around  and  15  feet  high,  was  opened  some  years  ago 
near  Lancaster,  O.  On  a  level  with  the  surrounding  surface 
was  found  a  furnace  of  unhewn  stone  eighteen  feet  long,  on 
which  rested  a  well-moulded  earthen  vessel,  containing  twelve 
skeletons  of  men,"  women,  and  children.  Around  the  neck 
of  one  of  the  small  skeletons  was  a  string  of  beads,  shells, 
and  arrow-heads.  The  bottom  of  the  vessel  bore  marks 
of  the  action  of  fire,  and  beneath  it  was  a  great  quantity  of 
charcoal  and  ashes. 

Eleven  miles  from  Natchez,  Mississippi,  was  a  group  of 
mounds  erected  for  defensive  purposes.  One  of  these  was 
thirty-five  feet  high,  and  contained  an  area  of  four  acres  on 
its  top,  from  which  rose  several  smaller  mounds.  In  the 
middle  of  the  summit  was  the  mouth  of  a  subterranean  pas 
sage  leading  tc  a  spring.  The  remains  of  a  ditch  are  still  to 
be  seen  around  the  base  of  the  large  mound ;  while  its  steep 
sides  are  marked  with  indentations  and  projections  like  those 
in  modern  works  of  the  same  kind.  Ancient  roads  leading 
to  this  great  work  may  still  be  traced  ;  and  many  weapons, 
implements,  and  human  bones,  have  been  dug  up  in  the 
neighborhood. 

light  ?  39.  How  many  mounds  are  there  estimated  to  be  ?  Where  are  they  most  nu 
merous?  For  what  purposes  were  they  erected?  What  were  the  dimensions  of  one 
opened  at  Lancaster,  O.  ?  What  was  found  within  it?  What  was  found  eleven  miles 
from  Natchez?  Describe  ono  of  these  defensive  works.  What  have  been  dug  up  in 


ANCIENT   WALLS,    FORTIFICATIONS,   ETC. 


29 


40.  In  the  numerous  remains  of  walls,  fortifications,  and 
cities,  scattered  throughout  North  America,  we  have  still 
more  remarkable  evidence  of  mechanical  skill  in  the  early 
inhabitants.  At  least  a  hundred  of  these  works  have  been 
discovered  in  the  State  of  New  York ;  but  they  are  yet 
more  numerous  throughout  our  Western  and  Southern  coun 
try,  as  well  as  in  Central  America  and  Mexico.  They  dis 
play  no  little  knowledge  of  engineering  and  architecture ; 
while  the  size  of  some  of  them  proves  that  multitudes  of  men 
must  have  united  in  their  construction. 

In  Gasconade  County,  Missouri,  under  a  tract  covered  with 
large  cotton-trees  and  full-grown  poplars,  are  still  to  be  seen 
stone  foundations,  the  remains  of  houses,  and  other  ruins  of 
an  ancient  town  regularly  laid  out  in  squares  and  streets. 

Among  the  most  remarkable  ruined  fortifications  are  those 
near  Newark,  Ohio,  at  the  junction  of  two  branches  of  the 


REMAINS  OF   WORKS 

NEAR  NEWAEK,  0. 


Mus-king/-um  River.  At  the 
eastern  extremity  is  a  square 
fort  containing  twenty  acres, 
surrounded  by  a  high  embank 
ment  and  connected  on  the  north  by  two  covered  ways  with 
the  river,  and  on  the  south  by  parallel  walls  with  a  circular 

the  neighborhood  ?  40.  What  other  remarkable  remains  have  we  ?  How  many  of 
these  works  have  been  discovered  in  N.  Y.  ?  Where  are  they  most  numerous  ?  What 
does  the  size  of  some  of  them  prove  ?  What  are  still  to  be  seen  in  Gasconade  Co  ,  Mo.  ? 
What  ruius  are  mentioned  as  among  the  most  remarkable?  Describe  them.  41.  In 


30  ABORIGINAL   REMAINS. 

fort.  Another  pair  of  walls,  running  west,  joins  these  forts 
with  two  others,  four  miles  distant  from  them.  One  of 
these  is  circular;  the  other,  octagonal.  The  former  contains 
an  observatory  of  earth  and  stone  ;  and  from  the  latter 
parallel  walls  are  traceable  several  miles  southward  into  the 
country.  From  the  occurrence  of  simiA  remains  at  inter 
vals,  it  is  supposed  that  these  works  were  connected  with 
others  thirty  miles  distant. 

41.  Mexico   and   Central   America   abound  in  extensive 
ruins,  the  remains  of  pyramids,  temples,  and  cities,  equal  in 
magnificence  to  the  grandest  of  the  old  world.     The  city  of 
Mexico  alone  contained  two  thousand  py-ram'-id-al  mounds, 
the  largest  of  which,  121   feet  high,  was  built  but  a  short 
time  before  the  country  was  explored  by  Cor'-tez.     Many  of 
these  works,  however,  like  the  ruined  walls  discovered  in  the 
United  States,  are  evidently  centuries  old.     Among  them 
are  finely  sculptured  columns,  statues  of  idols,  vast  altars,  im 
mense  edifices,  massive  aqueducts,  and  roads  said  to  have 
been  the  best  in  the  world.     The  pyramid  of  Tezcuco  \tath- 
koo'-ko]  is  a  specimen  of  the  most  delicate  workmanship.     It 
was  built  of  large  blocks  of  basalt,  highly  polished  and  beau 
tifully  sculptured.     The  largest  Mexican  pyramid  is  that  of 
Cholula  [cho-loo'-laJi],  built  of  alternate  layers  of  clay  and 
unburnt  bricks.     It  is  1,423  feet  long,  and  177  feet  high. 
Like  nearly  all  the  other  works  of  this  class,  it  was  devoted 
to  religious  purposes. 

42.  Both  Mexico  and  Peru,  when  first  explored  by  Span 
iards,  were  the  seats  of  powerful  nations,  possessing  regular 
systems  of  government  and  religion,  acquainted  with  the  arts 
and  sciences,  and  widely  different  from  the  savage  tribes  of 
the  North.     The  soil  was  well  cultivated  and  checkered  with 
numerous  cities,  some  of  which  are  said  to  have  contained 
several  hundred  thousand  inhabitants.      Indeed,  the  great 

what  do  Mexico  and  Central  America  abound?  How  many  mounds  did  the  city  of 
Mexico  contain  ?  When  was  the  largest  of  these  built?  How  high  was  it?  What  is 
said  of  the  age  of  many  of  them  ?  Of  what  do  these  remains  consist  ?  What  pyramid 
exhibits  the  most  delicate  workmanship  ?  Of  what  was  it  built  ?  What  is  the  largest 
Mexican  pyramid  ?  Of  what  is  it  built  ?  What  are  its  dimensions  ?  42.  What  was  the 
character  of  the  Mexicans  and  Peruvians,  when  first  known  to  the  Spaniards  ?  What  ia 


THE   MEXICANS    AND   PERUVIANS.  31 

works  alluded  to  above  could  not  have  been  built  had  not 
the  country  been  densely  populated. 

43.  The  Mexicans  and  Peruvians  were  no  doubt  descend 
ants  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  the  continent,  who,  as  before 
described,  emigrated  to  it  at  so  early  a  period  that  they  still 
retained  the  arts  known  in  the  East.  They  originally  occu 
pied  the  fertile  valleys  of  our  great  North  American  rivers, 
and  left  in  them  numerous  monuments  of  their  industry  and 
skill.  Allured  by  the  more  genial  climate  or  driven  out  by 
later  emigrants  from  Asia,  they  afterwaids  found  their  way 
southward,  and  finally  settled  in  the  fertile  plains  of  Central 
America  and  Peru.  There,  leading  an  agricultural  life,  they 
retained  their  knowledge  of  art  for  many  generations ;  while 
the  northern  tribes,  neglecting  tillage  and  giving  themselves 
up  to  the  chase,  sunk  deeper  and  deeper  in  barbarism.  That 
such  is  their  history  we  have  additional  proof  in  the  resem 
blance  between  the  skulls  of  the  ancient  mound-builders,  as 
found  in  their  burial-places,  and  those  of  the  Mexican  In 
dians,  both  strikingly  different  from  the  skulls  of  the  northern 
tribes.  The  National  Annals  of  the  Mexicans,  moreover, 
state  that  they  originally  dwelt  in  the  North,  whence  they 
commenced  migrating  in  the  sixth  century  under  their  illus 
trious  emperor,  Citin  [see-tin']. 


CHAPTER    V. 

DESCRIPTION     OF     THE     INDIANS. 

44.  Personal  Appearance. — Though  the  first  European 
settlers  observed  some  points  of  difference  in  the  appearance 
of  the  various  Indian  tribes,  yet  there  was  a  strong  general 
resemblance  between  them.  They  were  all  distinguished  by 

said  of  their  soil  and  cities?  What  proves  the  population  to  have  been  dense?  48.  Of 
whom  were  the  Mexicans  and  Peruvians  no  doubt  descendants  ?  Where  did  they  origi 
nally  live  ?  What  induced  them  to  change  their  location  ?  What  kind  of  a  life  did 
they  lead?  What  proof  have  we  that  such  is  their  history?  What  do  the  National 
Annals  of  the  Mexicans  say  on  this  point  V 
44.  By  what  were  all  the  Indians  distinguished  ?  Describe  their  forms.  From  what 


32  DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   INDIANS. 

a  bronze  or  copper  color,  straight  coarse  black  hair,  hazel 
eyes,  and  high  cheek-bones.  Their  forms  were  erect,  well 
proportioned,  and  remarkable  for  agility  rather  than  strength. 
Their  constant  exercise  kept  them  healthy.  Deformity  was 
almost  unknown  among  them  ;  and  they  were  exempt  from 
many  of  the  diseases  of  civilized  life. 

Descriptions  of  the  Indians,  as  they  originally  appeared, 
have  been  left  by  many  of  the  early  adventurers ;  among 
others  by  Verrazzani  \va-rat-tsah' -ne\,  who  first  saw  them  on 
the  coast  of  New  Jersey  and  Staten  Island,  eighty-five  years 
before  the  discovery  of  the  Hudson  River.  He  was  there 
visited  by  an  Indian  chief,  whom  he  describes  as  arrayed  in 
a  robe  of  deer-skins  skilfully  wrought  with  embroidery.  His 
hair  was  gracefully  tied  behind,  and  his  neck  was  adorned 
with  a  large  chain  set  off  with  various  stones.  According  to 
this  author,  the  people  generally  had  regular  features,  dark 
expressive  eyes,  and  long  locks  which  they  dressed  with 
care.  The  women  were  attired  in  ornamented  skins ;  their 
hair  was  tastefully  braided  and  flowed  over  the  breast.  The 
southern  Indians  wore  head-dresses  of  feathers.  As  the  heat 
increased  towards  the  south,  the  clothing  of  the  natives  be 
came  lighter  and  scantier  ;  and  in  the  warmest  regions  much 
of  the  body  was  left  bare. 

45.  Mode  of  Eiving. — When  engaged  in  the  chase  or  in 
warlike  expeditions,  which  occupied  a  great  part  of  his  time, 
1  he  Indian  was  exposed  to  the  full  force  of  the  weather,  lying 
on  the  ground  without  shelter  and  with  no  other  protection 
than  a  fire  to  prevent  attacks  from  the  beasts  of  the  forest. 
At  home,  he  lived  in  a  rude  hut,  made  of  poles  covered  with 
bark  or  skins,  and  called  a  wigwam  \wig'-wom\.  This  was 
erected  with  little  labor,  and  was  abandoned  when  he  was 
obliged  to  change  his  residence.  Wigwams  were  generally 
found  grouped  together  in  villages. 


were  they  exempt?  By  whom  have  descriptions  of  the  Indians  been  left  ?  Where  did 
Verrazzani  first  see  them  ?  What  does  he  say  about  the  chief  who  visited  him  ?  How 
uoes  he  describe  the  people  generally?  How  were  the  women  attired  ?  What  did  tho 
lauthern  Indians  wear  ?  45.  When  engaged  in  the  chase  or  a  warlike  expedition,  what 
1  heltcr  and  protection  had  the  Indian  ?  At  home,  in  what  did  he  live  ?  Describe  tho 


MODE   OF    LIVING. 


33 


46.  Food. — During 
many  months  of  the 
year,  the  Indians  lived 
by  hunting,  fishing,  or 
digging  roots  from  the 
ground.     When  these 
resources  failed,  they 
fell  back  on  maize,  or 
Indian     corn,    which  „ 
was  almost  the   only » 
plant  they  attempted 
to  cultivate.     The  la 
bor  of  raising  it  de 
volved  on  the  women, 
who  planted  it  in  holes 
dug    in    the    ground 
with    a    rude    imple 
ment.     Manual  labor 
of  every  kind  was  considered  be 
neath  the  dignity  of  a  warrior ; 
the  women,  therefore,  not  only 
tilled  the  ground,  but  also  erect 
ed  the  wigwams,  cut  their  wood  in  the  forest,  prepared  the 
meals,  mended  the  moccasins,  and  even  carried  the  baggage 
on  a  march.  •    . 

It  was  characteristic  of  the  Indians  never  to  provide  much 
food  at  a  time,  and  therefore  they  often  suffered  from  hun 
ger.  But  trials  of  this  kind  they  were  trained  to  endure 
without  a  murmur.  When  food  was  plenty,  they  made  up 
for  their  privations  by  eating  as  much  and  as  often  as  they 
could. 

Some  of  the  tribes  were  better  agriculturists  than  others, 
and  in  good  seasons  raised  more  corn  than  they  needed  for 
their  own  use.  This  was  the  case  with  the  natives  of  Vir- 

wigwam.  46.  How  did  the  Indian  mostly  obtain  his  subsistence  ?  On  what  did  they 
sometimes  fall  back?  Who  raised  the  maize,  and  how?  How  was  manual  labor  re 
garded  ?  "What  were  the  women  obliged  to  do?  How  was  it  that  the  Indians  often 
suffered  from  hunger?  How  did  they  make  up  for  their  privntions?  What  is  said  oi 
the  agricultural  operations  of  some  of  the  tribes?  How  was  it  with  the  Virginia  tribes? 


AN   INDIAN   WIGWJ 


34  DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   INDIANS. 

ginia,  by  whose  supplies  the  first  settlers  were  kept  from 
starvation  for  a  considerable  time.  Yet  little  advance  waa 
made  in  agriculture  or  any  other  branch  of  industry.  There 
were  two  reasons  for  this,  besides  the  natural  aversion  of  the 
Indian  to  labor.  First,  he  was  dependent  entirely  on  him 
self,  having  never  tamed  the  animals  around  him  or  taught 
them  to  labor  in  his  behalf.  In  this  he  was  behind  the 
rudest  nations  of  the  old  world.  The  Tartar  had  his  horse, 
the  Arabian  his  camel,  the  Laplander  his  reindeer ;  but  the 
native  American  had  no  domestic  animals,  and  was  obliged 
to  rely  entirely  on  his  own  strength.  Moreover,  the  Indians 
knew  little  of  the  useful  metals.  Gold,  silver,  and  copper, 
circulated  among  them  to  a  certain  extent,  but  of  iron  they 
were  totally  ignorant.  With  their  awkward  tools,  the  sim 
plest  tasks  were  performed  with  great  difficulty.  To  fell  a 
tree  with  their  stone  hatchets  would  cost  a  month ;  and  to 
turn  up  the  ground  with  blunt  and  heavy  hoes  of  the  same 
material,  was  a  labor  from  which  it  is  not  strange  that  they 
shrunk. 

47.  Hospitality. — The  hospitality  of  the  Indian  was  one 
of  his  greatest  virtues.     Among  all  the  tribes,  a  stranger  on 
his  arrival  was  treated  with  the  utmost  respect  and  atten 
tion.     The   best  the  wigwam  afforded  was  always  placed 
before  him,  and  his  hosts  were  displeased  if  he  did  not  eat, 
whether  he  needed  food  or  not.     However  scanty  their  sup 
ply,  they  withheld  nothing  from  their  guest. 

48.  Marriage  Customs. — Even  among  the  rudest  tribes, 
a  regular  union  between  husband  and  wife  was  universal. 
In  districts  where  food  was  scarce,  and  it  was  difficult  to 
maintain  a  family,  the  warrior  confined  himself  to  one  wife  ; 
he  was  at  liberty,  however,  to  take  as  many  as  h<3  could  sup 
port.  The  marriage  tie  generally  lasted  till  death,  but  among 
some  tribes  divorces  were  common. 

The  marriage  ceremony  was  extremely  simple.     A  young 

What  was  the  general  state  of  agriculture  ?  What  two  reasons  are  assigned  for  this  ? 
What  metaiS  were  the  only  ones  that  circulated  among  the  Indians?  What  kind  of 
tools  had  they  ?  47.  What  was  one  of  the  Indian's  greatest  virtues  ?  How  did  be  treat 
a  stranger  ?  48,  What  was  universal  even  among  the  rudest  tribes  ?  How  many  wives 
did  a  warrior  have?  How  long  did  the  marriage  tie  last?  Describe  tho  marriage  cer- 


FAMILY    RELATIONS.  35 

man  would  often  let  his  friends  select  a  wife  for  him.  He 
or  his  relations  then  made  presents  to  the  parents  of  the  in 
tended  bride,  which  were  accepted  if  the  offer  was  approved ; 
otherwise  they  were  returned.  In  the  former  case,  the  pa 
rents  dressed  their  daughter  in  her  best  clothes,  and  con 
ducted  her  to  the  bridegroom's  residence.  The  ceremony 
was  then  complete. 

49.  Family  Relations. — The  Indian  wife,  or  squaw,  had 
a  hard  lot.     Besides  being  compelled  to  do  all  the  drudgery, 
she  was  generally  treated  by  her  husband  with  indifference, 
and  often  with  cruelty.     For  his  children,  particularly  dur 
ing  infancy,  the  warrior  entertained  a  stronger  affection. 
He  could  endure  pain  without  a  groan ;  but,  when  misfor 
tune  overtook  his  offspring,  he  gave  way  to  the  most  violent 
grief.   The  loss  of  a  promising  son  was  regarded  as  the  great 
est  possible  calamity  ;  and  often,  to  redeem  a  child  from  the 
enemy,  a  father  has  surrendered  himself,  and  been  burned 
at  the  stake  in  his  stead. 

50.  Education. — The  education  of  the  young  Indian  con 
sisted  chiefly  of  athletic  exercises  and  such  training  as  would 
enable  him  to  endure  hunger  and  fatigue.     At  the  age  of 
eight  years,  he  was  required  from  time  to  tune  to  fast  half  a 
day,  and  at  twelve  often  passed  a  whole  day  without  food 
or  drink,  his  face   being  blackened  during   the    fast.     At 
eighteen,  he  underwent  his  final  trial.     His  face  was  now 
blackened  for  the  last  time,  and  he  was   led  far  into  the 
woods,  where  he  was  left  without  food  as  long  as  life  could 
be  so  supported.     His  guardians  then  came  for  him,  praised 
his  endurance,  took  him  home,  and  after  various  ceremonies 
informed  him  that  he  was  now  a  man.     No  instance  has 
ever  been   known  of  an  Indian   boy's   eating  or  drinking 
while  undergoing  the  trial  of  the  blackened  face. 

In  some  tribes  and  families,  the  young  were  instructed  in 
the  history  and  institutions  of  their  people.     This  task  de- 

emonjf.  49.  How  was  the  Indian  wife  treated  ?  How  did  the  warrior  feel  towards  his 
children  ?  What  has  &  father  often  done  ?  50.  Of  what  did  the  young  Indian's  educa 
tion  consist  ?  At  the  age  of  eight,  what  was  he  required  to  do  ?  Describe  his  final  trial. 
In  some  tribes,  what  were  the  young  taught  ?  On  whom  did  this  task  devolve  ?  "W  hat 


36  DESCRIPTION    OF.  THE   INDIANS. 

volved  on  the  old,  who  had  themselves  received  their  knowl 
edge  from  chiefs  that  had  preceded  them.  A  venerable 
warrior  once  said  that  his  father  had  labored  day  and  night 
to  teach  him  the  laws,  ceremonies,  and  history  of  his  nation, 
"  that  he  might  one  day  benefit  his  people  by  his  counsel". 
The  necessity  of  fortitude  and  self-restraint  was  also  im 
pressed  upon  the  mind  from  an  early  period. 

51.  Wars. — Indian  wars  usually  consisted  of  expeditions 
carried  on  by  small  parties,  whose  object  was  to  surprise  the 
enemy,  to  kill  as  many  as  possible,  and  to  return  home  in 
safety  with  the  scalps  of  their  victims.     To  be  complete  in 
their  eyes,  a  victory  had  to  be  obtained  by  stratagem,  and 
without  any  loss  of  their  own  number.    There  was  little  glory 
in  gaining  a  battle  by  open  force ;  and  to  fall  on  the  field, 
instead  of  being  thought  honorable,  was  rather  regarded  as 
a  proof  of  rashness  or  unskilfulness.     In  large  bodies,  from  a 
want  of  discipline,  they  could  not  act  with  much  success. 

Their  armies  were  not  encumbered  with  baggage  or  mili 
tary  stores,  but  depended,  for  the  small  amount  of  food  they 
needed,  on  the  game  they  might  meet  with  in  the  forest.  To 
provide  against  emergencies,  however,  each  warrior  carried 
a  bag  of  pounded  maize ;  and,  this  with  his  arms  being  his 
only  burden,  he  marched  with  great  rapidity.  On  a  warlike 
expedition,  the  chief  led  the  way,  and  each  of  his  followers 
trod  noiselessly  in  his  tracks,  leaving  as  small  a  trail  as  pos 
sible.  When  there  was  danger  of  pursuit,  the  last  warrior 
concealed  the  footsteps  of  the  party  by  Covering  them  with 
leaves  and  branches.  The  senses  of  the  Indian  were  wonder 
fully  acute,  and  great  ingenuity  was  often  shown  in  discov 
ering  the  trail  of  a  cunning  enemy  who  had  left  little  or  no 
clue  to  his  course. 

52.  In  ancient  time^  the  weapons  of  the  Indians  were  very 
rude,  consisting  principally  of  war-clubs,  and   hatchets,  or 

did  a  venerable  warrior  once  say  ?  What  was  early  impressed  on  their  minds  ?  51.  Of 
what  did  Indian  wars  consist?  What  was  essential  to  the  completeness  of  a  victory? 
What  prevented  their  success,  when  acting  in  large  bodies?  With  what  were  their 
urmies  not  encumbered  ?  On  what  did  they  depend  for  food  ?  What  did  each  warrior 
carry?  On  a  warlike  expedition,  how  did  they  march?  When  there  was  danger  of 
pursuit,  wiiui  did  the  last  warrior  do  ?  In  what  did  the  Indian  display  great  ingenuity? 


TREATMENT   OF   CAPTIVES. 
INDIAN    WEAPONS 


37 


•^  j 1 1  |i|/  tom'-a-hawks.  The  latter  were 

R  **j  •*     W  oviginaiiy  of  stonei  but  after 

the  arrival  of  Europeans  they  were  made 
y  of  iron  and  more  perfectly  shaped.  In 
hunting,  they  used  bows  and  arrows. 
These,  with  spears,  are  still  the  chief  weap 
ons  of  the  prairie  Indians,  who  have  so  far 
departed  from  their  ancient  customs  as  to 
make  their  attacks  on  horseback.  Guns  are 
generally  used  by  the  forest  tribes. 
A  captive  taken  in  war  was  conducted  to  the 
village  of  his  conquerors.  Here  he  was  obliged 
"  to  run  the  gauntlet"  between  two  long  lines 
of  men,  women,  and  children,  who  beat  him  as 
he  passed.  The  prisoner's  fate  was  then  decided  by  a 
council.  He  was  either  adopted  by  the  tribe  and  re 
ceived  into  some  family  in  the  place  of  a  lost  husband, 
son,  or  brother,  or  else  was  sentenced  to  be  burned  alive. 
In  the  latter  case,  he  *was  immediately  fastened  to  the 
stake ;  and  amid  the  heart-rending  tortures  that  fol 
lowed,  if  he  wished  to  maintain  the  fame  of  his  fathers,  he 
was  obliged  to  repress  all  signs  of  suffering.  Neither  sigh 
nor  groan  escaped  him.  While  the  flames  blazed  around 
him,  he  sung  his  war-song  in  tones  of  exultation,  or  boasted 
of  his  exploits  in  carrying  death  and  desolation  into  the  vil 
lages  of  his  enemies.  He  repeated  the  names  of  their  rela- 

52.  Formerly,  what  weapons  did  the  Indians  use?  What  did  they  use  in  hunting? 
Describe  the  weapons  represented  in  the  engraving.  With  what  is  the  prairie  Indian 
now  armed?  With  what,  the  forest  Indian?  What  was  done  with  a  captive  taken  in 
•*ar?  If  not  adopted,  what  fate  awaited  him?  To  maintain  the  fame  of  h!s  fathers, 


38  DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   INDIANS. 

tives  whom  he  had  slain.  He  reminded  his  persecutors  of 
the  terrible  vengeance  his  people  would  inflict.  He  excited 
their  fury  by  calling  them  cowards  and  women,  and  even 
derided  them  for  their  ignorance  of  the  art  of  torturing, 
telling  how  on  such  occasions  he  had  made  the  flesh  of  their 
kinsmen  quiver  at  the  stake.  At  last  his  taunts  provoked 
some  furious  enemy  to  inflict  the  death-blow,  or  else  the 
flames  did  their  work  and  the  unsubdued  spirit  of  the  warrior 
was  free  forever.  ,  • 

53.  Government. — The  Indians  were  divided  into  different 
tribes,  each  of  which  had  its  sa'-chem,  or  chief,  though  hi 
most  cases  his  power  was  little  more  than  nominal.    When 
ever  a  chief  obtained  a  high  degree  of  authority,  it  was  be 
cause  he  excelled  in  eloquence,  cunning,  or  bravery.    When 
a  tribe  was  called  into  the  field,  it  was  of  course  necessary 
that  there  should  be  some  leader ;  but  both  on  the  march 
and  in  the  engagement  much  more  freedom  was  allowed  to 
individuals  than  among  civilized  nations.     There  were  no 
laws,  and  in  time  of  peace  the  chief  exercised  little  or  no  au 
thority.     If  a  wrong  was  committed,  its  punishment  was  left 
to  those  who  suffered  it.     To  settle  important  matters,  coun 
cils  were  held,  at  which  all  who  had  killed  an  enemy  in  war 
were  present.     After  smoking  round  the  council-fire  a  long 
time  in  silence,  the  chief  or  the  oldest  warrior  present  deliv 
ered  his  opinion,  and  then  the  other  old  men  in  succession. 
Perfect  order  reigned  in  these  assemblies,  and  every  speaker 
was  listened  to  in  silence.     The  chief,  being  generally  the 
most  sagacious  and  eloquent  of  his  tribe,  had  little  trouble  in 
convincing  the  others  and  deciding  the  matter  according  to 
his  own  views.     Among  some  of  the  southern  nations,  the 
chiefs  are  said  to  have  possessed  greater  power,  to  have  been 
distinguished  by  a  peculiar  dress,  and  at  death  to  have  trans 
mitted  their  authority  to  their  sons. 

54.  Modes  of  Burial. — Different  modes   of  burial   pre- 

wh,ot  was  he  obliged  to  do  ?  Describe  the  scene  of  torture.  68.  How  were  the  Indiana 
divided?  What  did  each  tribe  have?  What  is  said  of  the  authority  of  the  chiefs? 
When  was  it  most  strictly  exercised  ?  To  whom  was  the  punishment  of  a  wrong  left  ? 
£iow  were  important  matters  settled?  Describe  the  proceedings  at  these  councils. 


MODES    OF   BURIAL. 


39 


vailed  among  different  tribes.  Some  laid  the  body  on  the 
ground,  and  erected  over  it  a  little  house  covered  with  bark, 
or  dug  a  grave  in  the  earth  in  which  they  placed  the  corpse 
in  a  sitting  posture.  Other  nations  deposited  the  body  in  a 
khid  of  coffin  on  a  high  scaffold,  or  left  it  hanging  from  a 
tree.  A  young  mo 
ther  has  been  seen 
suspending  the  body 
of  her  deceased  child 
to  the  pendent  bran 
ches  of  the  flowering 
maple,  and  singing  a 
lament  to  the  object 
of  her  love  as  it 
waves  in  the  breeze. 

The  Indian  wished 
every  thing  that  he 
valued  in  life  to  be 
buried  with  him,  that 
it  might  be  ready  for 
his  use  on  entering 
the  spirit-land.  His 
tomahawk  and  knife, 
his  bow  and  arrows, 
were  placed  by  his  side.  This  custom  is  still  preserved. 
His  medals  and  other  tokens  of  distinction  are  often  laid  in 
the  hand  of  the  deceased  chief,  and  his  favorite  dog  and 
horse  are  killed,  to  bear  him  company. 

55.  Religion. — The  religion  of  the  Indians  closely  resem- 
Jbled  that  which  first  existed  on  the  earth.  They  worshipped 
one  God,  the  creator  and  preserver  of  all  things.  They 
spoke  of  him  with  reverence,  and  believed  that  he  was  every 
where  present,  that  he  knew  their  wants,  and  aided  those 
who  loved  and  obeyed  him.  They  prayed  to  him  for  every 


INDIAN  WOMAN    LAMENTING   HER   GUILD. 


Whose  views  generally  prevailed  ?  What  is  said  of  the  chiefs  among  the  southern 
tribes?  54  Describe  the  different  modes  of  burial.  What  lias  a  young  mother  been 
seen  to  do  ?  What  did  the  Indian  wish  to  have  buried  with  him  ?  How  is  this  custom 
itill  carried  out  ?  55.  What  is  said  of  the  religion  of  the  Indians  ?  Whom  did  they 


40  DESCRIPTION    OF   THE   INDIANS. 

thing  they  wanted,  for  health,  for  courage,  and  for  success 
in  hunting  and  war. 

The  American  Indians  had  no  idols  or  temples.  These 
were  probably  devised  after  their  fathers  had  separated  from 
the  rest  of  mankind  and  emigrated  to  America.  They  spoke 
of  certain  natural  objects  as  inferior  divinities,  but  regarded 
them  merely  as  symbols  or  representatives  of  the  Manitou 
[man '-e-too\  or  Great  Spirit. 

With  this  general  idea  of  the  Deity  different  tribes  blend 
ed  various  traditions  of  their  own.  The  Shawnees,  for  in 
stance,  believed  that  the  Great  Spirit  was  an  Indian,  and 
that  he  made  all  the  races  of  men,  not  out  of  nothing,  but 
out  of  himself.  The  Delawares,  and  indeed  Indians  gener 
ally,  thought  that  the  Deity  possessed  a  human  form,  and 
was  in  all  respects  a  man. 

56.  There  were  various  traditions  concerning  the  Crea 
tion,  of  which  that  of  the  Chip '-pe- ways  may  be  mentioned. 
When  the  first  man  came  into  the  world  they  did  not  pre 
tend  to  say,  but  they  believed  that  he  appeared  in  the  sum 
mer  months,  and  subsisted  on  berries.     In  the  winter  he 
lived  by  hunting;  but  when  a  deep  snow  came,  finding  it 
difficult  to  walk,  he  tried  to  make  a  snow-shoe.     He  formed 
the  frame  of  the  shoe  without  .difficulty,,  but  when  it  came 
to  weaving  in  the  web  he  succeedea  poorly,  and  at  last  aban 
doned  the  work.      On  returning  from  hunting,  however, 
every  evening,  he  found  that  the  work  had  progressed,  and 
finally  saw  a  bird  fly  away,  which  he  supposed  had  been  en 
gaged  upon  it.     At  last  he  captured  the  bird  by  stratagem, 
and  it  immediately  turned  into  a  beautiful  woman. 

57.  The  Red  Men  generally  believed  in  the  existence  of, 
good  and  bad  spirits ;  the  former  of  whom  held  intercourse 
with  certain  persons  on  earth,  and  endowed  them  with  su 
perior  power.     Those  who  were  thus  favored  were  known 
as  "  medicine-men",  and  to  them  resort  was  had  for  advice 

worship  ?  What  did  they  believe  respecting  the  Supreme  Being  ?  Explain  how  it  was 
that  the  Indians  h:id  no  idols.  What  did  the  various  tribes  blend  with  the  general 
Idea  of  the  Deity  ?  What  did  the  Sliawnees  believe  ?  What,  the  Delawares  ?  56.  Give 
the  Chippeway  tradition  of  the  Creation.  57.  In  what  did  the  lied  Men  generally  be 
lieve  ?  Whu  we  iv  the  "  medicine-men"?  When  was  resort  had  to  them  '(  What  did 


CHARACTER   OF   THE   RED   MEN.  4] 

when  an  important  enterprise  was  about  to  be  undertaken, 
Besides  the  herbs  whose  use  he  was  taught  by  experience, 
the  medicine-man  employed  various  incantations  and  magi 
cal  ceremonies  :  if  successful,  he  was  thought  to  have  gained 
a  victory  over  the  evil  spirit ;  and,  if  the  patient  died,  this 
same  evil  spirit  bore  the  blame. 

58.  The  Indians  believed  that  the  soul,  freed  from  the  body 
at  death,  hastened  to  the  happy  hunting-grounds.     Before  it 
could  reach  this  blissful  region,  they  thought  it  had  to  pass 
some  ordeal  by  which  its  worthiness  was  tested.     This  was 
generally  represented  as  a  bridge  over  a  dark  liver.     The 
wicked  fell  into  the  stream,  and  either  remained  there  for 
ever,  struggling  with  the  waves,  or  were  borne  off  to  a  place 
of  perpetual  torture.     The  good,  on  the  other  hand,  crossed 
in  safety,  and  reached  the  happy  hunting-grounds,  which  were 
stocked  with  the  choicest  game  and  abounded  in  all  that 
could  render  the  warrior  happy. 

59.  Character. — The  Indian  was.  distinguished  by  a  re 
markable  want  of  foresight.     This  was  seen  in  his  neglect  to 
provide  food  beyond  what  was  needed  for  the  moment. 
What  he  suffered  one  year  did  not  increase  his  industry  the 
next,  or  make  him  more  careful  to  provide  against  similar 
distress  for  the  future.     The  greatest  warriors  were  unable 
to  carry  out  any  far-reaching  policy. 

Another  prominent  trait  of  the  Red  Men  was  sleepless 
caution.  Whether  among  friends  or  foes,  they  watched  ev 
ery  movement  around  them  with  suspicion.  They  spoke 
little,  and  weighed  well  every  word.  They  showed  great 
firmness  in  trial,  and  rarely  gave  way  to  their  feelings.  For 
fche  most  part,  they  were  true-hearted  patriots.  The  graves 
of  their  fathers  they  defended  with  the  greatest  bravery; 
and,  if  they  displayed  cruelty  towards  their  foes,  it  must  be 
remembered  that  they  were  so  taught  from  infancy. 

In  later  times,  the  Indians  have  shown  a  great  aversion  to 

tho  medicine-man  employ?  What  was  thought  if  he  effected  a  cure?  What,  if  the 
patient  died?  58.  What  did  the  Indians  think  respecting  the  soul  after  death  ?  What 
ordeal  did  they  believe  that  it  had  to  pass  ?  What  was  their  idea  of  the  happy  hunting- 
grounds  ?  59.  By  what  was  the  Indian  distinguished  ?  How  was  this  want  of  foresight 


4:2  DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   INDIANS. 

civilization.  Strongly  attached  to  their  savage  mode  of  life, 
they  will  not  give  it  up  until  obliged  to  do  so.  To  the  re 
straints  of  education  they  are  equally  opposed.  They  readily 
understand  simple  truths,  but  their  minds  seem  incapable  of 
any  long  continued  effort. 

shown  ?  What  other  prominent  trait  did  the  Ked  Men  possess  ?  How  did  they  bear 
trial  and  suffering?  What  is  said  of  their  patriotism  ?  In  later  times,  what  have  the 
Indians  shown  ?  Of  what  do  their  minds  seem  incapable  ? 


PART   II. 

COLONIAL  PERIOD, 

EXTENDING  FROM  THE    DISCOVERY  OF  AMERICA  BY   CO 
LUMBUS,  A.  D.  1492,  TO   THE   BREAKING   OUT 
OF  THE  REVOLUTION,  1775. 


CHAPTER   I. 

VOYAGES   AND   DISCOVERIES    OF   COLUMBUS. 

60.  THE  discovery  of  America,  the  most  important  event 
of  modern  times,  next  demands  our  attention.      On  this 
subject  we  have  conflicting  and  uncertain  accounts.     Ac 
cording  to  Welsh  historians,  the  Atlantic  was  first  crossed 
in  1170,  A.  D.,  by  Ma'-doc,  a  prince  and  hero  of  Wales;  but 
the  Norwegians,  on  stronger  evidence,  claim  this  honor  for 
one  of  their  adventurous  sea-kings.     In  the  ninth  century, 
both  Iceland  and  Greenland  were  discovered  and  colonized 
by  Scandinavian  navigators;  and  about  the  year  1000  A.  D., 
if  we  may  believe  Ice-land'-ic  manuscripts,  a  vessel  driven  by 
storms  southwest  of  Greenland  arrived  at  the  continent  of 
America.     If  this  be  true,  it  was  no  doubt  the  barren  shore 
of  Labrador  that  was  reached ;  and  so  unimportant  was  the 
discovery  considered  that  it  was  soon  forgotten. 

61.  In  the  fifteenth  century,  nothing  was  known  in  Europe 
of  a  continent  beyond  the  ocean.     The  mariner's  compass, 
invented  hi  1302,  had  enabled  the  sailor  to  push  out  more 
boldly  from  land ;  yet  even  the  Por'-tu-guese,  then  the  most 

60.  For  whom  do  the  Welsh  claim  the  honor  of  first  crossing  the  Atlantic?  What 
people  claim  it  on  better  grounds  ?  What  discoveries  did  the  Norwegians  make  in  the 
ninth  century?  What  do  the  Icelandic  manuscripts  say?  If  this  be  true,  what  part  of 
the  coast  was  probably  reached  ?  61.  What  is  said  of  navigation  in  the  fifteenth  century  ? 


4:4:  VOYAGES    AND    DISCOVERIES    OF   COLUMBUS. 

enterprising  navigators  in  the  world,  had  gone  no  further 
than  the  A-zores'  on  the  west,  and  the  equator  on  the  south. 
It  was  reserved  for  the  great  genius  of  Christopher  Colum 
bus,  amid  discouragements  of  every  kind,  to  add  a  new  con 
tinent  to  the  civilized  world. 

62.  Columbus  was  born  at  Genoa  \jen'-o-d\  about  1435. 
His  father  was  a  wool-comber,  but  gave  his  son  advantages 
of  education,  particularly  in  geography,  mathematics,  and 
astronomy,  for  which  he  early  displayed  a  decided  taste.    At 
fourteen,  he  went  to  sea.     A  few  years  later,  in  the  service 
of  a  kinsman  who  commanded  a  small  Genoese  squadron,  he 
took  part  in  an  engagement  with  some  Venetian  [ve-ne '-shan] 
vessels  off  the  coast  of  Portugal.     His  ship  caught  fire,  and 
Columbus,  leaping  into  the  waves,  barely  saved  his  life  by 
swimming  ashore.     The  fame  that  Portugal  had  won  by  her 
maritime  enterprise  attracted  him  to  Lisbon  \liz'-bon\ ;  and 
there  he  married  the  daughter  of  an  eminent  navigator, 
whose  charts  and  journals  awakened  within  him  an  ardent 
thirst  for  discovery.     From  this  time  to  1477,  we  find  him 
engaged  in  various  voyages  to  Madeira  [ma-da'-ra],  the  Ca- 
ua'-ries,  the  Azores,  the  coast  of  Guinea  and  Iceland. 

63.  The  geographical  researches  of  Columbus  had  con 
vinced  him  that  the  earth  was  round,  and  that  land  would 
be  found  in  the  west  to  counterbalance  the  eastern  conti 
nent.     The  maps  of  the  day  gave  little  information  respect 
ing  the  extent  of  Asia ;    and  Columbus  imagined  that  it 
stretched  much  further  east  than  it  really  did,  or  that  large 
islands  lined  its  coast,  but  a  few  hundred  leagues  west  of 
Europe.     Many  circumstances  confirmed  him  in  this  belief. 
Pieces  of  wood  strangely  carved  had  been  picked  up  by 
those  who  had  ventured  into  the  unknown  ocean.     Trees 
torn  up  by  the  roots  were  often  driven  by  west  winds  on 
the  Azores ;   and  upon  one  island  of  this  group  had  been 

How  far  had  the  Portuguese  gone  ?    For  whom  was  the  discovery  of  America  reserved  ? 

62.  Where  and  when  was  Columbus  born  ?    For  what  sciences  did  he  early  display  a 
taste  ?    At  fourteen,  what  did  he  do  ?     Some  years  later,  what  befell  him  2    Where  did 
he  then  go?     Whom  did  he  marry?    From  this  time  to  1477,  in  what  waf  he  engaged ? 

63.  Of  what  was  Columbus  convinced  by  his  re&earches?    What  is  said  of  the  maps  of 
that  day?     What  did  Columbus  imagine  respecting  Asia?     What  confirmed  him  in 


1*84]  HIS    APPLICATIONS   FOR   AID.  45 

washed  the  bodies  of  two  men,  totally  different  in  appear 
ance  from  the  natives  of  Europe  and  Africa. 

64.  Firm  in  his  opinion,  Columbus  next  sought  the  means 
of  testing  its  truth.     He  must  have  men  and  ships.     His  first 
proposals,  made  to  the  senate  of  his  native  city,  were  reject 
ed.      His  next  application  was  to  John  II.,  of  Portugal ; 
who,  after  drawing  out  his  plans,  treacherously  sent  a  vessel 
on  the  proposed  course  under  another  commander,  but  hap 
pily  gained  nothing  by  his  baseness.    Disgusted  with  this 
treatment,  Columbus  sent  his  brother  Bartholomew  to  Hen 
ry  VII.,  of  England.     Bartholomew  was  captured  by  pirates, 
and  it  was  years  before  he  reached  London.     The  English 
monarch  listened  to  him  with  favor,  and  would  probably 
have  become  the  patron  of  Columbus  had  he  not  previously 
found  one  in  another  quarter. 

65.  After  his  disappointment  in  Portugal,  1484,  Columbus 
went  to  Spain.     Destitute  and  friendless,  he  obtained  an 
humble  living  for  himself  and  his  son  Diego  \de-d'-go\  by 
making  charts  and  maps.     At  last  he  succeeded  in  procuring 
an  interview  with  Ferdinand,  king  of  Ar'-ra-gon.     This  cau 
tious  monarch,  after  listening  to  his  projects,  submitted  them 
to  the  learned  men  of  the  University  of  Sal-a-man'-ca,  by 
whom  they  were  once  more  condemned. 

r  66.  After  years  of  trial,  Columbus  finally  obtained  an  in 
terview  with  Isabella,  the  wife  of  Ferdinand  and  queen  of 
Castile  [cas-teel']  and  Leon  \la'-on~\.  To  enable  him  to  ap 
pear  at  court,  she  sent  him  a  small  sum  of  money  (about 
$70),  with  which  he  procured  a  mule  and  suitable  clothing. 
The  queen,  though  moved  by  his  arguments,  was  dissuaded 
from  furnishing  the  required  aid.  More  disheartened  than 
ever,  Columbus  was  on  the  point  of  abandoning  Spain,  when 


tliis  belief?  64  To  test  this  opinion,  what  did  he  need  ?  To  whom  were  his  first  pro 
posals  made?  "With  what  success?  To  whom  did  he  next  apply?  What  was  the  re- 
eult?  To  whom  did  he  then  send  his  brother?  What  happened  to  Bartholomew? 
66.  After  his  disappointment  in  Portugal,  where  did  Columbus  go  ?  How  did  lie  sup 
port  himself?  With  whom  did  he  finally  obtain  an  interview  ?  What  was  the  result  ? 
66.  After  years  of  trial,  who  manifested  an  interest  in  the  plans  of  Columbus?  How 
was  he  enabled  to  appear  at  court ?  What  was  the  rcsnlt  of  this  interview?  What 
prevented  Columbus  from  abandoning  Spain?  What  dignity  was  conferred  on  him? 


46  VOYAGES   AND   DISCOVERIES   OF   COLUMBUS. 

u. 

at  last,  by  the  advice  of  wiser  counsellors,  Isabella  deter 
mined  to  embark  in  the  enterprise,  even  if  she  had  to  pledge 
her  jewels  to  raise  the  necessary  funds.  Columbus  was  com 
missioned  as  High  Admiral  and  Viceroy  of  all  the  countries 
he  might  discover,  and  hastened  to  Palos  [pa/i'-los]  to  fit 
out  the  expedition. 

There  was  great  difficulty  in  finding  sailors  for  such  a  voy 
age  ;  but,  with  the  aid  of  the  queen,  three  vessels  and  ninety 
men  were  obtained.  The  ships  were  very  small,  none  of 
them  being  over  100  tons  burden.  The  Santa  Maria  \ma- 
re'-a],  which  bore  the  flag  of  Columbus,  was  the  only  one 
that  had  a  deck.  Two  brothers  by  the  name  of  Pin'-zon 
commanded  the  Pin'-ta  and  the  Nina  [ne'-na].  Provisions 
were  laid  in  for  a  year.  The  whole  expense  of  the  outfit 
was  only  £4,000. 


FLEKT   OF   COLUMBUS  SAILING   FROM    PALOS. 

67.  The  little  fleet  sailed  from  Palos,  Aug.  3,  1492  ;  and, 
after  stopping  at  the  Canaries  to  refit  and  take  in  fresh  wa 
ter,  stood  boldly  out  into  the  ocean.  When  the  land  faded 
from  their  sight,  a  full  sense  of  the  dangers  they  were  to  en- 

What  difficulty  was  experienced  ?    Name  and  describe  the  ships.     Who  commanded 
the  Pinta  and  the  Nina?    What  was  the  expense  of  the  outfit?    67.  Whence  and  when 


HIS    LABORS   CROWNED   WITH   SUCCESS.  47 

counter  seized  on  the  sailors ;  and  their  fears  gradually  in 
creased,  till,  on  the  expiration  of  twenty  days  without  any 
signs  of  land,  they  began  to  talk  of  throwing  their  com 
mander  overboard  and  returning  home.  The  variation  of 
the  compass  had  not  yet  been  discovered,  and  their  alarm 
was  therefore  greatly  heightened  when  they  observed  that 
the  magnetic  needle  no  longer  pointed  directly  north.  It 
was  a  trying  hour  for  Columbus,  but  his  great  mind  was 
equal  to  the  crisis.  Explaining  the  variation  of  the  compass 
in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  his  followers  though  not  to  him 
self,  he  used  every  means  to  induce  them  to  prosecute  the 
voyage,  now  picturing  to  their  minds  the  riches  they  would 
obtain  and  now  threatening  them  with  the  anger  of  their 
sovereign.  At  length  both  officers  and  men  insisted  on  re 
turning,  and  Columbus  was  obliged  to  promise  that  unless 
land  appeared  within  three  days  he  would  comply  with  their 
demand.  The  shallowness  of  the  water,  the  numerous  birds 
in  the  air,  the  grass  and  weeds  floating  by,  a  branch  that 
was  picked  up  with  berries  still  fresh  upon  it,  all  made  him 
sure  that  he  could  give  this  promise  with  safety. 
'  68.  On  the  evening  of  October  llth,  the  sails  were  furled, 
and  a  close  watch  was  kept.  At  ten  o'clock,  a  moving  light 
was  discerned  in  the  distance  by  Columbus  and  several 
others.  At  two  in  the  morning,  a  shout  from  the  Pinta  an 
nounced  the  discovery  of  land.  Dawn  displayed  to  the  over 
joyed  adventurers  a  scene  of  strange  beauty.  The  land  was 
covered  with  forests,  and  gay  with  the  foliage  and  flowers 
of  a  tropical  clime.  The  natives  thronged  from  the  woods 
to  gaze  at  the  ships,  which  with  their  white  sails  they  re 
garded  as  huge  birds  hovering  over  the  sea. 

69.  Columbus  was  the  first  to  touch  the  newly  discovered 
shore.  Richly  attired  and  with  drawn  sword,  he  landed. 
Kneeling  on  the  sand,  he  kissed  the  earth,  and  returned 
thanks  to  God.  When  he  had  taken  formal  possession  of 

did  the  fleet  sail  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  voyage.  What  was  Columbus  at  lost  obliged 
to  promise?  What  made  him  feel  sure  that  land  was  near?  68.  What  took  place  on 
the  evening  of  October  11,  1492  ?  When  day  broke,  what  did  the  voyagers  behold  ? 
69.  "Who  was  the  first  to  land  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  landing.  What  was  the  land 


4:8  VOYAGES    AND   DISCOVERIES   OF   COLUMBUS.        [14953 

the  country  in  the  name  of  the  king  and  queen  of  Spain, 
his  followers  rendered  him  homage  as  viceroy,  and  the  in 
habitants,  regarding  the  Spaniards  as  a  superior  race,  pros 
trated  themselves  at  his  feet.  The  land  thus  reached  was 
one  of  the  Bahama  [ba-ha'-ma]  Islands.  It  was  called  by  the 
Indians  Guanahani  \gwali-nah-liah' -ne\,  but  received  from 
Columbus  the  name  of  San  Salvador,  by  which  it  is  still 
known. 

Learning  from  the  natives  that  gold  was  found  further  to 
the  south,  Columbus  soon  sailed  in  that  direction,  and  dis 
covered  Cu'-ba,  and  His-pan-i-o'-la,  since  called  by  its  original 
Indian  name  Haiti  p'-te].  One  of  his  vessels  having  been 
wrecked,  he  left  35  of  his  men  as  a  colony  on  Hispaniola, 
and  on  the  1st  of  January,  1493,  set  sail  for  Spain.  A  vio 
lent  storm  on  the  return  voyage  threatened  his  frail  vessels 
with  destruction ;  and  Columbus,  fearing  that  his  discoveries 
would  be  lost  to  the  world,  wrote  an  account  of  them  on 
parchment,  secured  it  in  a  cask,  and  threw  it  into  the  sea,  in 
the  hope  that  it  would  reach  the  shore  in  safety.  The  storm, 
however,  abated ;  and,  after  being  first  driven  to  Lisbon, 
the  shattered  vessels  finally  entered  the  port  of  Palos,  amid 
the  acclamations  of  the  people  and  the  thunder  of  cannon. 
Colunibus  hastened  to  the  king  and  queen,  laid  before  them 
the  history  of  his  discoveries,  presented  specimen  products 
of  the  new  world,  showed  them  the  natives  whom  he  had 
brought  with  him,  and  hi  return  was  loaded  with  the  high 
est  honors. 

-  TO.  On  the  25th  of  September,  1493,  Columbus  sailed 
again,  from  Ca'-diz,  with  17  vessels  and  1,500  men.  On  ar 
riving  at  Hispaniola,  he  found  that  his  colony  had  been  cut 
off.  The  injustice  and  cruelty  with  which  they  had  treated 
the  unoffending  natives  had  provoked  the  latter,  gentle  and 
friendly  as  they  were,  to  summary  vengeance.  After  pro 
viding  for  the  erection  of  a  fort,  Columbus  proceeded  to 

ttma  cached?  Where  did  Columbus  socn  sail,  and  why?  What  island  did  he  dis 
cover?  What  happened  to  him  there  ?  How  many  men  did  he  leave  there  ?  Whero 
did  the  rest  go  ?  What  happened  on  the  return  voyage  ?  How  did  Columbus  seek  to 
prevent  his  discoveries  from  being  lost  to  the  world  ?  What  port  did  he  finally  reach  ? 
Uow  was  he  received?  70.  When  did  Columbus  again  set  sail  ?  With  hew  many  ve»- 


THIRD    VOYAGE   OF   COLUMBUS.  4l> 

explore  Jamaica  [ja-ma-ka]  and  the  surrounding  islands 
Soon  after  completing  this  work,  he  was  filled  with  delight 
by  the  arrival  of  his  brother  Bartholomew,  whom  he  had  not 
seen  for  13  years,  and  whom,  returning  from  his  mission  to 
England  after  his  brother  had  sailed  the  second  time,  Isa 
bella  had  sent  to  the  new  world  with  supplies. 

Tired  of  hardship  and  disappointed  in  the  hope  of  obtain 
ing  gold,  the  followers  of  Columbus  now  began  to  murmur. 
His  management  of  affairs  was  complained  of,  and  an  emis 
sary  of  his  enemies  was  sent  out  to  examine  into  it.  Colum 
bus  deemed  it  proper  to  return  to  Spain  and  plead  his  own 
cause  before  the  throne.  He  established  his  innocence  be 
yond  dispute,  and  was  once  more  received  into  favor. 
-  71.  In  1498,  Columbus  undertook  a  third  voyage.  Di 
recting  his  course  more  towards  the  equator  than  he  had 
previously  done,  he  discovered  Trin-i-dad'  and  the  South 
American  coast  near  the  mouth  of  the  O-ri-no'-co.  He  was 
for  a  time  in  great  danger  on  account  of  the  rush  of  waters 
from  the  mouth  of  this  great  river,  and  judged  aright  that 
so  mighty  a  stream  could  belong  only  to  a  continent.  On  hin 
return  to  Hispaniola,  he  set  about  regulating  the  affairs  of 
the  colony,  but  was  interrupted  in  the  work  by  the  arrival 
of  Bovadilla  \bo-va-deel' -yd],  whom,  at  the  instigation  of  ene 
mies,  the  Spanish  sovereigns  had  invested  with  powers  to 
examine  into  his  conduct,  and,  if  needful,  supersede  him  in 
the  command.  Columbus  was  sent  back  to  Spain  in  chains. 
The  master  of  the  vessel,  indignant  that  the  great  discoverer 
should  be  treated  so  unworthily,  offered  to  take  off  his  fet 
ters  ;  but  Columbus,  grieved  at  the  ingratitude  of  those  he 
had  faithfully  served,  refused  to  have  them  removed,  took 
them,  with  him  wherever  he  went,  and  ordered  that  they 
should  be  placed  with  him  in  his  coffin.  He  triumphantly 
repelled  every  charge,  but  his  sovereigns  never  had  the  jus- 

Bole  and  men  ?  On  arriving  at  Hispaniola,  what  did  he  find  ?  Where  did  he  next  go  ? 
Oil  returning  to  Hispaniola,  whom  was  he  surprised  to  see  ?  What  did  the  followers  oi 
Columbus  now  begin  to  do  ?  Who  was  sent  out  to  examine  into  his  conduct  ?  On  this, 
what  did  Columbus  do?  71.  Give  an  account  of  the  third  voyage  of  Columbus.  Oil 
reaching  Hispaniola,  to  what  did  he  devote  himself?  How  was  he  interrupted  ?  "What 
indignity  was  put  upon  him  ?  How  was  he  received  at  court?  Who  was  appointed 

3 


50  VOYAGES    AND   DISCOVERIES   OF   COLUMBUS.        [l503 

tice  to  restore  him  to  his  station.  They  put  him  off  on  dif 
ferent  pretexts ;  and,  when  it  became  necessary  to  remove 
Bovadilla  on  account  of  his  mismanagement,  O-van'-do  was 
appointed  his  successor. 

72.  Though  cut  to  the  heart  by  this  ingratitude,  and  be 
ginning  to  feel  the  infirmities  of  age,  Columbus  in  1502  set 
out  on  a  fourth  voyage.     He  still  believed  that  the  land  he 
had  discovered  formed  part  of  Asia,  and  did  not  live  to  have 
the  delusion  dispelled.     The  object  of  this  last  voyage  was 
to  find  a  passage  to  India  by  pushing  further  westward  than 
he  had  yet  been.     He  explored  the  coast  for  a  considerable 
distance  along  the  Gulf  of  Darien ;  but  at  last,  after  a  suc 
cession  of  disasters,  in  the  attempt  to  return  to  Hispaniola 
he  was  wrecked  on  the  coast  of  Jamaica.     Reduced  to  the 
verge  of  starvation,  and  in  danger  of  attack  from  the  In 
dians,  Columbus  saved  himself  and  his  men  by  an  ingenious 
device.     From  his  acquaintance  with  astronomy,  he  knew 
that  an  eclipse  of  the  moon  was  about  to  take  place ;  and, 
on  the  morning  of  the  day,  summoning  the  natives  around 
him,  he  informed  them  that  the  Great  Spirit  was  displeased 
because  they  had  not  treated  the  Spaniards  better,  and  that 
he  would  shroud  his  face  from  them  that  night.     When  the 
moon  became  dark,  the  Indians,  convinced  of  the  truth  of 
his  words,  hastened   to  him  with  plentiful  supplies,  praying 
that  he  would  beseech  the  Great  Spirit  to  receive  them  again 
into  favor.     After  undergoing  extraordinary  hardships,  Co 
lumbus  finally  succeeded  in  reaching  Hispaniola,  and  in  the 
summer  of  1504  he  landed  once  more  in  Spain. 

73.  Queen  Isabella  had  died  shortly  before ;  and  the  re 
maining  two  years  of  the  great  discoverer's  life  were  shroud 
ed  in  gloom.     He  died  peaceably  at  Valladolid  \val-la-do- 
tccd']  in  the  71st  year  of  his  age.     His  chains  were  buried 
with  him,  and  his  remains  now  rest  in  the  cathedral  of  Ha- 
vnn'-a. 

successor  to  Bovadilla?  72.  What  did  Columbus  still  believe  respecting  the  land  he 
bud  discovered?  When  did  he  start  on  his  fourth  voyage ?  What  was  his  object? 
What  finally  befell  him?  How  did  Columbus  on  one  occasion  save  himself  and  his 
men  ?  At  last,  what  island  did  they  succeed  in  reaching?  73.  What  is  said  of  the  last 
two  years  of  Columbus's  life  ?  Where  and  at  what  age  did  he  die?  Where  is  ho  buriet1  ? 


1*99]  ORIGIN    OF   THE   NAME   AMERICA.  51 

Columbus  was  tall,  well-formed,  and  muscular.  His  coun 
tenance  bore  an  air  of  authority,  and  his  demeanor  was 
grave  and  dignified.  He  was  distinguished  by  a  vivid  im 
agination,  lofty  enthusiasm,  high  moral  worth,  great  inven 
tive  genius,  and  a  steadfastness  of  purpose  which  overcame 
all  difficulties. 

74.  Meanwhile,  encouraged  by  the  success  of  Columbus, 
other  Spanish  navigators  had  found  their  way  to  the  new 
world.  Among  these  was  Ojeda  \o-haf -dali\.  Following  the 
course  taken  by  Columbus  in  his  second  voyage,  he  touched 
on  the  South  American  coast,  without,  however,  making  any 
important  discovery.  In  Ojeda's  company  was  a  well-edu 
cated  Florentine  gentleman  named  Amerigo  Vespucci  \ci-ma'- 
re-go  ves-poot'-she],  who  published  an  interesting  description 
of  the  lands  he  had  visited.  This  was  the  first  written  ac 
count  of  the  new  world ;  and,  as  it  left  Columbus  out  of 
view,  the  Western  Continent,  instead  of  being  called  after  its 
real  discoverer,  was  unjustly  styled,  from  the  name  of  this 
Florentine,  AMERICA. 


CHAPTER   II. 

EARLY   EXPLORATIONS. FIRST   PERMANENT   SETTLEMENTS. 

75.  English  Discoveries. — In  the  latter  part  of  the  fifteenth 
century,  England  was  laid  waste  by  ci\il  wars,  known  in  his 
tory  as  the  Wars  of  the  Roses.  As  soon  as  they  ended, 
commerce  began  to  receive  attention.  Adventures  to  the 
new  w^orld  promised  large  profits ;  and  Henry  VII.,  wishing 
to  secure  his  share,  commissioned  John  Ca-bot',  a  Venetian 
merchant  of  Bristol,  to  sail  on  a  voyage  of  discovery  and  take 
possession  of  all  new  lands  in  the  name  of  England.  On  the 
24th  of  June,  1497,  before  Columbus  had  yet  seen  the  main- 
Describe  his  person  and  character.  74.  Meanwhile  what  had  other  Spanish  navigators 
been  doing?  Among  these,  wlio  is  specially  mentioned?  Who  went  in  Ojeda's  com 
pany  ?  What  did  he  do  on  his'retnrn  ?  What  honor  did  ho  thus  unjustly  obtain  ? 

75.  What  desolated  England  towards  the  end  of  the  fifteenth  century?    When  these 
wars  had  ended,  what  began  to  receive  attention  ?    What  did  Henry  VII.  do?    What 


52  EARLY    EXPLORATIONS.  [l497 

land  of  America,  Cabot  reached  what  is  now  called  New 
foundland  \iiew' -fund-land~\,  and  gave  it  the  name  of  Prima 
Vista  [pre'-mah  vees'-tali\,  first  view.  As  the  profits  of  the 
enterprise,  he  brought  back  to  King  Henry  three  savages, 
and  two  turkeys,  the  first  specimens  of  this  bird  ever  seen  in 
Europe. 

Soon  after  the  return  of  John  Cabot,  Sebastian,  his  son, 
set  sail  with  300  men,  for  the  purpose  of  discovering  a  north 
west  passage  to  China.  The  icebergs  of  the  northern  ocean 
compelled  him  to  turn  from 
his  course ;  and  visiting  various 
points  as  far  south  as  Albemarle 
Sound,  he  took  possession  of  the 
whole  for  the  crown  of  Eng 
land.  Sebastian  made  several 
subsequent  voyages,  and  ex 
plored  various  parts  of  the 
coast.  Till  1578,  England 
made  no  attempt  to  colonize 
the  lands  to  which  she  had  thus 

Secured  the  title.  SKBASTIAN^CABOT. 

76.  Portuguese  Discoveries. — The   principal   Portuguese 
navigators  that  made  discoveries  in  America  were  Cabral 
\cahrbrahlr\  and  Cortereal  \cor-ta-r of -at\.    The  former,  on  his 
way  to  the  East  Indies  round  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
crossed  the  Atlantic  to  avoid  the  delays  of  the  coast  voyage, 
and  thus  by  accident  discovered  Brazil  in  the  year  1500. 
He  took  possession  of  it  in  behalf  of  Portugal,  and  erected  a 
cross  which  is  still  preserved.     The  next  year,  Cortereal 
coasted  Labrador  with  the  view  of  finding  a  northwest  pas 
sage  to  India ;  but,  not  succeeding,  he  captured  fifty  of  the 
natives,  and  sold  them  on  his  return  as  slaves. 

77.  French  Discoveries. — Though  the  French  early  visited 
the  fishing-banks  of  Newfoundland,  they  made  no  attempt 

discovery  did  Cabot  make  ?  What  did  he  bring  back  as  the  profits  of  his  enterprise  ? 
Who  set  SHil  soon  after  John  Cabot's  return  ?  What  was  his  object  ?  "What  success  did 
he  meet  with  ?  76.  Who  were  the  principal  Portuguese  discoverers?  Give  an  account 
of  Cabral's  discovery.  What  did  Cortereal  do?  11.  What  part  of  the  now  world  did 


15584]  FRENCH   DISCOVERIES.  53 

at  discovery  till  1524.  In  that  year,  Verrazzaui,  a  Floren 
tine  commissioned  by  the  enterprising  Francis  I.,  explored 
the  coast  of  North  Carolina,  Delaware,  New  Jersey,  and 
Rhode  Island,  and  opened  a  traffic  with  the  Indians,  who 
showed  a  friendly  disposition.  He  called  the  whole  country 
New  France,  a  name  afterwards  confined  to  Can'-a-da. 

78.  James  Cartier  \car-te-a'\  in  1534,  1535,  made  two 
voyages  to  the  northern  part  of  the  continent  under  a  com 
mission  from  the  French  government.    In  the  former  of  these 
he  explored  the  Gulf,  and  in  the  latter  the  River,  St.  Law 
rence,  which  received  their  names  from  him.     Passing  up 
the  river  to  the  principal  Indian  settlement,  Hochelaga  \Jio- 
she-lah'-gd\,  he  was  struck  with  the  fineness  of  the  situation, 
and  gave  the  place  the  name  of  Mont  Real  \niong  ra-at\ 
royal  mountain,  afterwards  written  as  one  word,  Montreal 
\rnon-tre-awl'\     Most  of  his  men  died  of  scurvy.     The  In 
dians  treated  him  kindly,  but  he  repaid  them  by  carrying 
their  chief  a  prisoner  to  France. 

79.  In  1540,  Lord  Roberval  \ro-bare-val']  was  appointed 
viceroy  of  New  France,  and  sailed  thither  for  the  purpose  of 
colonizing  the  country ;  but  the  severity  of  the  climate  and 
other  difficulties  led  him  to  abandon  the  idea.     A  body  of 
Hu'-gue-nots,  or  French  Protestants,  subsequently  settled  on 
Port  Royal,  an  island  off  the  coast  of  South  Carolina,  and 
another  party  fixed  their  abode  on  the  St.  John's  River,  in 
Florida  [see  Map,  p.  151].    The  former,  after  suffering  much 
from  hunger  and  disease,  returned  to  France.     The  latter 
were  attacked  by  the  Spaniards  of  St.  Augustine  \aw-gus- 
teeri]  and  mostly  massacred,  the  few  survivors  being  incor 
porated  among  their  conquerors. 

—^'80.  The  first  permanent  French  settlement  was  made  in 
1605,  at  Port  Royal,  Nova  Scotia  \iio'-va  sco'-sha],  on  the 

the  French  visit  at  an  early  period?  In  1524,  who  was  commissioned  to  make  discov 
eries?  What  part  of  the  coast  did  he  explore  ?  What  name  did  he  give  to  the  country? 
78.  Give  an  account  of  Cartier's  explorations.  To  what  place  did  he  give  name  ?  What 
disease  carried  off  his  men  ?  How  did  he  repay  the  Indians  for  their  kindness?  79.  lu 
1540,  who  was  appointed  French  viceroy?  What  discouraged  him  from  planting  a  col 
ony?  Where  were  two  Huguenot  settlements  made?  What  became  of  them  ?  [See 
Map,  p.  151.]-In  what  part  of  Florida  is  the  St  John's  ?  In  what  direction  is  it  from  St 
Augustine  ?  What  inlet  south  ot  St  Augustine?]  80.  Where  was  the  first  permanent 


54  EARLY    EXPLORATIONS.  [lGO5 

Bay  of  Fun'-dy.  De  Monts  [du  mong'\  who  planted  this 
colony,  explored  the  coast  as  far  south  as  Cape  Cod.  In 
1608,  the  first  permanent  settlement  in  Canada  was  made  by 
Chaniplain  [sham-plane'],  who  founded  Que-bec'  and  after 
wards  discovered  the  lake  still  called  by  his  name.  While 
exploring  the  country,  he  defeated  the  Iroquois,  who  then 
for  the  first  time  heard  the  thunder  and  saw  the  strange  fire 
of  the  Frenchmen's  guns.  Nor  were  the  French,  in  turn, 
less  dismayed  by  the  barbarity  with  which  the  savages  tor 
tured  their  prisoners  and  tore  the  scalps  from  dying  and  dead. 

81.  Spanish  Discoveries. — To  Spain  belongs  the  honor, 
not  only  of  discovering  America,  but  also  of  penetrating  to 
the  Pacific,  and  thus  proving  that  the  new  world  formed  a 
separate  and  independent  continent. 

After  the  death  of  Columbus,  Ferdinand  divided  the 
Spanish  possessions  in  America  into  two  governments,  one 
of  which  extended  to  the  Gulf  of  Darien.  Ojeda  was  sent 
out  to  colonize  this  southern  region,  to  convert  the  natives, 
and  extend  the  dominion  of  Spain.  The  Indians  resisted ; 
the  diseases  of  the  climate  proved  fatal  to  the  Spaniards ; 
and  most  of  the  colonists  perished.  The  few  that  survived 
founded  a  feeble  settlement  at  Santa  Maria  el  Antigua  [el 
an~te'-goo-ah\,  and  chose  Yasco  Nunez  de  Balboa  [vah'-sJco 
noon'-yath  da  bal-bo'-ah\  for  their  commander.  Among 
these  colonists  was  Pizarro  ^pe-zar' -ro\  afterwards  cele 
brated  as  the  conqueror  of  Peru. 

In  1513,  Balboa  subdued  some  of  the  neighboring  tribes 
and  required  them  to  pay  a  tribute.  One  day  two  of  his 
officers  quarrelled  about  the  division  of  some  gold  dust  they 
had  received.  A  native  chief,  who  was  present,  threw  the 
dust  from  the  scales  in  derision,  and  told  them  that  if  they 
were  so  fond  of  gold  he  could  conduct  them  to  a  country 


French  settlement  made  ?  By  whom  ?  Who  made  the  first  permanent  settlement  in 
Canada  ?  What  place  did  he  found  ?  What  lake  did  he  discover  ?  With  what  Indians 
did  he  have  an  engagement?  81.  What  two-fold  honor  belongs  to  Spain  ?  How  were 
tho  Spanish  possessions  divided  after  the  death  of  Columbus?  Who  was  sent  out  to 
colonize  the  southern  region ?  What  was  the  result?  Where  did  the  survivors  plant  a 
feeble  settlement?  Whom  did  they  choose  for  their  commander?  In  1513,  what  did 
Balboa  do  ?  What  incident  is  related  ?  What  did  the  chief  tell  them  of?  What  did 


1513]  DISCOVERY    OF   THE   PACIFIC.  65 

*  « 

where  the  commonest  vessels  were  made  of  it.  At  the 
same  time  he  informed  them  of  a  great  ocean,  which  lay  at 
a  distance  of  six  days'  journey  towards  the  south.  Balboa's 
curiosity  was  excited,  and  he  determined  to  test  the  truth 
of  these  statements.  To  encourage  adventurers  to  join  him, 
he  sent  presents  of  gold  to  Cuba;  but  only  190  men  could 
be  raised.  A  perilous  inarch  was  commenced.  Instead  of 
six  days,  they  wandered  for  twenty-five  days  through  woods 
and  over  mountains.  Heat  and  disease  had  almost  over 
come  the  weary  and  discouraged  party,  when  the  Indian 
guides  announced  that  from  the  top  of  the  next  mountain 
the  great  ocean  could  be  seen.  When  most  of  the  ascent 
was  completed,  Balboa  ordered  his  men  to  halt,  and  toiled 
on  to  the  summit  alone.  Reaching  the  top,  he  beheld  the 
mighty  Pacific,  and  falling  on  his  knees  thanked  God  for 
leading  him  safely  to  this  great  discovery.  He  went  down 
to  the  shore,  and,  advancing  with  sword  and  buckler  till  the 
water  reached  his  waist,  took  possession  of  the  ocean  hi  the 
name  of  the  king  his  master,  and  vowed  to  defend  it  with 
his  arms.  Four  years  afterwards,  Balboa  was  executed  by 
order  of  Pedrarias  \j>a-drah' -re-as\,  who  had  superseded 
him  as  governor  of  Darien,  professedly  for  treason,  but  real 
ly  on  account  of  the  jealousy  inspired  by  his  success. 

82.  Florida  was  first  visited  by  Ponce  de  Leon  [pon'-thd 
da  la!-ori\  in  1512,  and  received  its  name  from  the  day  on 
which  it  was  discovered,  Easter  Sunday,  called  in  Spanish 
pascua  florida  [pati -scoo-ah  flor' -e-dali\.     Delighted  with 
its  profusion  of  foliage  and  flowers,  he  thought  that  its  luxu 
riant  woods  must  contain  the  fabled  fountain  which  would 
restore  old  age  to  the  vigor  of  youth.     After  vainly  trying 
to  discover  these  precious  waters,  he  attempted  to  plant  a 
colony,  but  was  attacked  by  Indians,  lost  a  number  of  hia 
men,  and  was  himself  mortally  wounded  with  an  arrow. 

83.  In  1520,  Vasquez  de  Ayllon  \vati-skath  da  ile-yon'~\  vis- 


Balboa  determine  to  do ?  How  many  men  did  he  raise?  Give  an  account  of  the 
march  and  discovery.  What  became  of  Balboa?  82.  By  whom  was  Florida  first  visit 
ed  ?  Why  was  it  so  called  ?  What  did  Ponce  de  Leon  try  to  find  in  its  luxuriant 
woods?  After  failing  in  this,  what  did  he  attempt?  "What  became  of  him?  88.  Give 


56  EARLY   EXPLORATIONS.  [l5»0 

ited  the  coast  of  South  Carolina  in  search  of  slaves.  Hav 
ing  enticed  a  crowd  of  natives  on  board  his  ships,  he  sailed 
for  Haiti.  One  of  his  vessels  foundered  at  sea,  and  on  the 
other  so  many  died  that  the  adventure  was  unprofitable. 
Five  years  afterwards,  under  a  commission  from  Charles  V., 
Vasquez  attempted  to  conquer  the  country.  His  largest 
ship  was  stranded,  and  his  men  were  killed  by  the  natives 
near  the  place  where  their  former  treachery  had  been  com 
mitted. 

84.  In  1528,  De  Narvaez  [da  nar'-vah-ath]  landed  in  Flor 
ida  under  a  commission  to  conquer  the  country.     The  na 
tives  allured  him  into  the  interior  with  stories  of  gold,  but 
he  found  nothing  to  reward  his  trouble.     After  wandering 
nearly  six  months  to  no  purpose,  he  returned  to  the  sea, 
constructed  some  rude  barks,  and  sailed  for  Cuba.     A  storm 
wrecked  his  boats  near  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  and 
only  four  of  the  party,  after  incredible  hardships,  succeeded 
in  reaching  their  countrymen. 

85.  Ferdinand  de  Soto  [da  so'-to^  who  had  distinguished 
himself  in  the  invasion  of  Peru,  next  attempted  the  conquest 
of  Florida  and  the  exploration  of  the  interior.     Landing  at 
Tam'-pa  Bay  with  600  chosen  men  clad  in  complete  armor, 
he  marched  boldly  into  the  wilderness,  in  search  of  gold  and 
slaves.     The  little  army  took  with  them  a  forge  with  which 
to  make  new  weapons  when  they  were  needed,  and  a  drove 
of  hogs  which  supported  themselves  by  feeding  in  the  woods. 
Though  avarice  was  their  ruling  passion,  De  Soto  and  his 
men  carefully  observed   every  ceremony  of  their  church. 
For  sixteen  months,  they  wandered  over  the  territory  now 
comprised  in  Alabama  and  Georgia,  misled  by  their  captive 
guides,  worn  out  with  hardships,  and  disappointed  in  their 
hopes.     The  Indians  whom  they  met  were  generally  peace 
able  and  unoffending.     Without  any  provocation,  the  Span- 
i  irds  treated  them  with  the  greatest  cruelty,  exacting  what- 

,in  account  of  De  Ayllon's  voyage  in  1520.  Five  years  afterwards,  what  befell  him? 
£4  In  1523,  who  landed  in  Florida  ?  What  was  the  result  of  his  expedition  ?  85.  Who 
ucxt  attempted  the  conquest  of  Florida  ?  Where  did  he  land  ?  With  how  many  men  ? 
What  did  the  little  army  take  with  them?  How  did  they  spend  the  first  sixteen 
cionths?  What  was  the  character  of  the  Indians  they  met?  How  did  they  treat 


1540]  DE    SOTO'S    EXPEDITION.  57 

ever  they  wanted,  requiring  them  to  carry  their  baggage, 
and  on  the  slightest  suspicion  setting  fire  to  their  villages, 
cutting  off  their  hands,  throwing  them  to  bloodhounds,  or 
burning  them  alive.  In  the  fall  of  1540,  the  invaders  found 
themselves  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the  city  of  Mobile 
[mo-beel'].  Extravagant  demands  were  here  made  upon  the 
Indians ;  they  resisted,  and  a  battle  ensued  in  which  2,500 
natives  and  18  Spaniards  were  killed. 

Making  his  way  northward,  De  Soto,  with  his  men  now 
reduced  to  500,  spent  a  cheerless  winter  on  the  Yaz'-oo  River. 
Wishing  to  continue  his  march  in  the  spring,  he  demanded 
of  the  Chickasaws  200  men  to  carry  his  baggage ;  but,  in 
stead  of  complying,  they  set  fire  by  night  to  their  wigwams, 
which  the  Spaniards  had  seized  upon  and  occupied.  Eleven 
of  their  party  were  thus  burned  alive.  Most  of  the  baggage 
was  consumed,  and  many  horses  and  hogs  perished  in  the 
flames. 

Their  losses  having  been  repaired  as  far  as  possible,  the 
Spanish  army  moved  to  the  west.  Seven  days  brought  them 
to  the  Mississippi,  then  (1541)  for  the  first  time  seen  by  Eu 
ropeans.  They  were  kindly  received  by  the  Indians,  who 
crossed  the  river  in  multitudes,  bringing  their  visitors  fish 
and  loaves  made  of  persimmons.  A  month  was  spent  in 
crossing,  and  then  De  Soto,  hearing  of  a  rich  country  in  the 
northwest,  started  in  that  direction.  On  the  route,  a  tribe 
of  Indians  offered  to  worship  the  Spaniards  as  "  children  of 
the  sun",  and  brought  them  those  that  were  blind  to  be  re 
stored  to  sight.  "  Pray  only  to  God  who  is  in  Heaven,  for 
what  ye  need",  was  De  Soto's  reply. 

There  was  yet  no  gold,  and  not  only  the  men  but  their 
leader  were  breaking  down  under  long  continued  fatigue.  At 
length  they  found  their  way  to  the  country  of  the  Natchez. 
This  warlike  tribe  they  tried  to  frighten  into  supplying  what 
they  needed.  The  Natchez  chief,  however,  questioned  the 


them?  In  the  fall  of  1540,  where  did  they  find  themselves?  What  took  place  them? 
In  what  direction  did  they  next  move  ?  Where  did  they  winter  ?  What  took  place  in 
the  spring?  In  what  direction  did  the  Spanish  army  next  move?  What  river  did 
they  discover?  How  were  they  received  by  the  natives?  Whcro  did  they  next  go? 

3* 


58 


EAKLY    EXPLOKATIONS. 


claims  of  his  visitors,  and  was  as  ready  for  war  as  peace, 
"  You  say",  said  he,  "  you  are  the  children  of  the  sun  ;  dry 
up  this  river,  and  I  will  believe  you." 

De  Soto   could  no  longer   endure   his   disappointments. 


Distress  of  mind  and  exhaus 
tion  of  body  brought  on  a  ma 
lignant  fever,  of  which  he  died  in  May,  1542.  The  priests 
chanted  a  requiem  over  his  body,  and  his  comrades  wrapped 
it  in  his  mantle  and  sunk  it  at  midnight  beneath  the  waves 
of  the  mighty  river  he  had  discovered.  The  surviving  Span 
iards  wandered  as  far  south  as  the  forests  and  plains  of  Texas, 
then  turned  their  course  north,  and  after  great  trials  reached 
the  Mississippi  River,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Red.  Here 
they  erected  their  forge,  made  nails  from  the  fragments  of 
iron  in  their  camp,  and  built  some  frail  barks  without  decks. 


Wlmt  occurred  on  the  route?  What  was  the  condition  of  both  men  and  leader?  At 
la.«t,  where  did  they  make  their  way  ?  What  did  they  try  to  obtain  from  the  Natchez  ? 
What  answer  did  tho  chief  make?  What  became  of  De  Soto?  Describe  his  burial. 


1543]  HUGUENOT   COLONY   IN   FLORIDA.  59 

In  these  they  descended  the  Mississippi,  and  about  half  the 
original  number  finally  reached  the  Mexican  coast  in  safety. 

86.  It  has  been  mentioned  that  a  party  of  French  Hugue 
nots  had  settled  in  Florida.  Philip  II.,  remembering  that 
possession  had  been  taken  of  the  country  in  the  name  of  the 
Spanish  crown,  resolved  to  drive  them  out,  and  in  1565  com 
missioned  Melendez  [ma-len'-ddth]  for  that  purpose.  Me- 
lendez  undertook  to  subjugate  the  country  in  three  years,  to 
plant  a  colony,  and  to  introduce  the  sugar-cane.  He  reached 
Florida  on  St.  Augustine's  \ciw- gus-teenzf}  day,  and  gave  the 
name  of  that  saint  to  the  river  up  which  he  sailed,  and  the 
town  that  he  founded  on  its  bank  [see  Map,  p.  151].  This 
was  the  first  permanent  settlement  within  the  present  limits 
of  the  United  States,  being  more  than  forty  years  older  than 
any  other. 

Ribeault  [re-Jo'],  the  French  commander,  immediately 
prepared  to  attack  the  Spaniards,  but  a  storm  wrecked  his 
vessels  and  left  him  entirely  at  their  mercy.  Melendez  was 
not  long  in  taking  advantage  of  his  helplessness.  Leading 
a  strong  force  by  land  against  the  French  fort,  he  took  it, 
and  caused  a  general  massacre  of  all  it  contained,  including 
even  women  and  children,  old  and  sick,  declaring  that  he 
killed  them,  "  not  as  Frenchmen  but  as  Lutherans". 

This  wanton  cruelty  was  not  to  go  unavenged.  De 
Gourgues  [du  goorg'\  a  brave  adventurer  of  Gascony,  fitted 
out  three  ships  with  the  aid  of  his  friends,  for  the  express 
purpose  of  punishing  the  murderers.  -He  succeeded  in  sur 
prising  the  Spanish  settlement,  and  hanged  his  prisoners  on 
trees,  placing  over  them  the  inscription,  "  I  do  not  this  as 
unto  Spaniards  or  mariners,  but  as  unto  traitors,  robbers,  and 
murderers". 

Too  weak  to  maintain  his  position,  De  Gourgues  returned 
to  France,  and  the  whole  country  was  left  under  the  domin- 

"What  became  of  the  surviving  Spaniards?  86.  Where  had  a  party  of  French  Hugue 
nots  settled  ?  Whom  did  Philip  II.  send  to  drive  them  out?  What  did  Melendez  un 
dertake  to  do  ?  Where  did  he  land,  and  on  what  day  ?  [See  Map,  p.  151.]  How  is  St. 
Augustine  situated?  In  what  direction  from  the  St.  John's  River?]  How  does  St. 
Augustine  compare  in  age  with  the  other  permanent  settlements?  What  did  the 
French  commauder  do  ?  Eelate  what  followed.  How  and  by  whom  was  this  cruel  act 


(30  CONQUEST   OF   MEXICO    AND   PERU. 

ion  of  Spain.  Cuba  henceforth  formed  the  centre  of  the 
Spanish  West  Indian  possessions ;  which  included,  not  only 
the  surrounding  islands,  but  all  that  portion  of  the  continent 
that  lay  on  the  Ca-rib-be'-an  Sea  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 


CHAPTER   III. 

CONQUEST    OF   MEXICO   AND   PERU. — VOYAGE   OF   MAGELLAN. 

87.  GRIJALVA  [gre-hahl'-va],  on  a  visit  to  the  Mexican 
coast  in  1517,  first  heard  of  a  rich  empire  in  the  interior 
under  the  dominion  of  Montezuma  [mon-td-zoo'-mci].     Vela 
squez  \va-lah' -skath~\,  then  governor  of  Cuba,  resolved  to  at 
tempt  its  conquest,  and  selected  Fernando  Cortez  as  com 
mander  of  the  expedition.    Cortez  was  a  man  of  great  energy 
and   courage,   though   unprincipled,   rapacious,   and   cruel. 
Devoting  all  his  powers  to  the  enterprise,  he  soon  raised  617 
men,  16  of  whom  were  mounted.     Fire-arms  had  not  at  this 
period  come  into  general  use,  and  only  thirteen  muskets  and 
ten  small  field-pieces  could  be  procured.     The  arms  of  the 
greater  part  consisted  of  cross-bows,  swords,  and  spears. 
Thus  prepared,  Cortez  landed  where  Yera   Cruz   [vd'-ra 
crootJi\  now  stands  in  April,  1519. 

88.  The  natives  had  never  before  seen  horses,  and  thought 
that  the  horse  and  rider  were  one  and  the  same  animal. 
When  they  looked  at  these  formidable  creatures  and  the 
floating  fortresses  in  which  the  Spaniards  had  come,  when 
they  heard  the  thunder  of  the  muskets  and  cannon  and  wit 
nessed  the  terrible  effects  of  their  discharge,  they  thought 
the  strangers  must  indeed  be  the  children  of  the  gods.    News 
of  their  arrival  was  soon  conveyed  to  the  emperor,  who  sent 
back  orders  that  they  should  leave  the  country.    But  to  these 

Bvenged?    What  became  of  De  Gourgues?    What  henceforth  were  included  in  the 
Spanish  possessions? 

87.  Who  first  heard  of  Montezuma's  empire?  Who  was  governor  of  Cuba  at  the  time? 
What  did  he  resolve  to  do  ?  Whom  did  he  select  as  commander  ?  What  kind  of  a  man 
A  as  Cortez?  How  large  a  force  did  he  raise?  How  were  they  armed  ?  Where  did 
they  land?  58.  Whom  did  the  natives  take  the  strangers  to  be?  Why?  What  ines- 


1519]  CORTEZ    AND    MONTEZCMA.  61 

Cortez  paid  no  heed,  particularly  as  they  were  accompanied 
with  rich  presents  which  allured  him  onward. 

Having  suppressed  a  threatened  mutiny  and  destroyed 
his  ships  that  there  might  be  no  temptation  to  return,  Cor 
tez  advanced  into  the  country.  He  met  with  little  opposition 
on  his  march,  induced  the  Tlascalans  \tlah-skah' -lanz],  a  tribe 
hostile  to  Mexico,  to  join  him,  and  at  last  came  in  sight  01 
the  great  Az'-tec  city.  With  rapture  he  beheld  evidences 
of  civilization  that  he  had  found  in  no  other  part  of  the  con 
tinent.  Temples  and  palaces,  stately  structures  and  gilded 
domes,  glittered  in  the  sunlight.  A  populous  and  magnifi 
cent  city  lay  before  him  on  a  picturesque  island,  surrounded 
by  a  region  teeming  with  the  richest  vegetation. 
V-89.  Montezuma,  alarmed  by  what  he  had  heard  respecting 
tne  invaders,  received  them  hospitably.  Gorgeously  attired 
and  borne  in  a  chair  on  the  shoulders  of  four  men,  he  wel 
comed  them  to  his  capital.  There  was  a  belief  among  his 
people,  he  told  the  Spanish  leader,  that  strangers  from  the 
east  would  at  some  time  visit  them.  The  great  chief  who 
had  brought  the  Aztecs  to  that  spot  had  gone  to  a  distant 
land,  but  promised  that  he  or  his  descendants  would  return. 
"As  you  come,"  continued  the  emperor,  "from  that  region 
where  the  sun  rises,  I  doubt  not  that  the  king  who  sends  you 
is  the  royal  master  of  the  Mexicans." 

Cortez  took  advantage  of  this  superstitious  feeling,  and, 
not  contented  with  the  rich  presents  he  had  received,  re 
solved  to  gain  possession  of  the  whole  country.  He  formed 
alliances  with  several  neighboring  caciques  \1ca-seeks'],  or 
chiefs,  who  were  enemies  to  Montezuma,  and  soon  began  to 
meddle  with  the  affairs  of  the  empire.  Destroying  the  idols 
to  which  human  sacrifices  were  offered  in  their  temples,  he 
placed  in  their  stead  images  of  the  Virgin  Mary  and  the 
saints.  At  last,  Montezuma,  though  afraid  of  the  Spaniards, 
secretly  ordered  one  of  his  generals  to  attack  them.  Cortez 


&ago  did  the  emperor  send  to  Cortez  ?  With  what  success?  Give  an  account  of  tho 
march  of  Cortez.  Describe  the  Aztec  or  Mexican  capital.  89.  How  did  Montezuma 
receive  the  invaders  ?  What  belief  was  current  among  his  people?  What  did  he  tell 
Cortcz?  What  did  Cortez  resolve  to  do?  What  changes  did  he  try  to  make  in  theii 


62  CONQUEST   OF   MEXICO    AND   PERU.  [l519 

was  not  unprepared.  Marching  to  the  palace,  he  seized  the 
general  and  fifty  of  his  men,  and  burned  them  alive,  after 
carrying  off  Montezuma  in  irons  to  his  camp.  The  promise 
of  liberty  induced  the  captive  emperor  to  give  large  sums  of 
gold  to  the  perfidious  Cortez,  who  received  them  but  under 
various  pretexts  refused  to  release  his  prisoner. 

The  Mexicans  at  length  took  up  arms  in  a  body  against 
tl\eir  oppressors ;  and,  with  the  view  of  appeasing  them, 
Cortez  compelled  Montezuma  to  appear  before  them,  and 
urge  them  to  submission.  When  he  showed  himself  on  the 
battlements  in  his  royal  robes,  the  multitude  bowed  in  re 
spectful  silence.  But  when  they  heard  him  argue  for  peace 
with  the  perfidious  foe,  violent  reproaches  and  threats  burst 
forth  on  every  side.  In  a  moment,  a  shower  of  arrows  and 
Btones  fell  round  the  unfortunate  monarch.  A  blow  from 
a  heavy  stone  prostrated  him,  and  he  died  soon  after  from 
its  effects. 

90.  A  fierce  and  sudden  attack  enabled  the  Mexicans  to 
drive  the  Spaniards  from  their  capital.  Guatimozin  \gwah- 
te-mo '-ZMI\  was  placed  on  the  throne,  and  proved  a  brave 
and  skilful  leader ;  but  he  was  no  match  for  Cortez,  with 
his  horses  and  artillery.  Having  received  a  reinforcement 
of  his  countrymen  and  induced  a  native  tribe  to  join  his 
standard,  the  Spanish  chief  laid  siege  to  the  city,  and  after 
75  days'  hard  fighting  succeeded  in  taking  it,  August  13, 
1521.  The  royal  family  and  the  chief  personages  of  the  em 
pire  thus  fell  into  his  hands. 

Guatimozin  was  treated  with  the  greatest  barbarity.  To 
compel  him  to  tell  into  what  part  of  the  lake  he  had  thrown 
the  royal  treasure,  Cortez  ordered  him  to  be  stretched  on  a 
bed  of  burning  coals ;  but  he  bore  his  sufferings  with  the 
fortitude  of  an  American  warrior.  One  of  his  favorites  who 
was  subjected  to  the  same  tortures,  overcome  by  agony, 

religion  ?  At  last  what  secret  order  did  Montezuma  give  ?  What  course  did  Cortez 
take  ?  How  did  he  afterwards  perfidiously  break  his  promise  ?  What  were  the  Mexi 
cans  at  length  driven  to  do?  How  did  Cortez  try  to  appease  them?  What  followed? 
90.  With  what  reverse  did  the  Spaniards  now  meet?  Who  succeeded  Montezuma? 
What  kind  of  a  leader  did  he  make  ?  What  aid  did  Cortez  receive  ?  With  this  what 
lid  he  succeed  in  doing  ?  How  was  Guatimozin  treated?  What  incident  happened 


15ai]  END    OF   THE   CAREER   OF   CORTEZ.  63 

turned  a  dejected  eye  on  his  master,  which  seemed  to  im 
plore  permission  to  reveal  the  secret.  The  monarch  with  a 
look  of  authority  and  scorn  replied,  "  Am  I  reposing  on  a 
bed  of  flowers  ?"  No  further  complaint  escaped  the  faithful 
attendant,  who  soon  died  under  the  torture.  The  emperor 
was  spared,  only  to  suffer  death  shortly  afterwards  with  the 
princes  and  chief  nobles  of  his  country.  This  was  a  fatal 
blow  to  Mexican  power,  and  henceforth  the  supremacy  of 
the  Spanish  was  acknowledged. 

91.  The  king  of  Spain  had  by  this  time  become  jealous  of 
the  renown  of  Cortez.  Commissioners  were  sent  to  inquire 
into  his  conduct,  who  seized  his  property  and  imprisoned  his 
officers.  Cortez  made  his  way  to  Spain  and  was  received 
with  honor,  though  not  restored  to  his  former  position.  He 
made  another  expedition  to  the  new  world,  and  explored 
Lower  California.  Returning  a  second  time  to  Spain,  he 
was  treated  with  coldness  and  neglect.  On  one  occasion 
desiring  an  audience  with  the  king,  he  was  obliged  to  force 
his  way  through  the  crowd  and  place  his  foot  on  the  step  of 
the  carriage  before  he  could  gain  attention.  "Who  are 
you  ?"  said  the  king.  "  I  am  a  man,"  answered  Cortez, 
"  who  has  gained  you  more  provinces  than  your  father  left 
you  towns."  Cortez  passed  the  rest  of  his  life  in  solitude, 
and  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-two. 

^)J)2.  Among  the  bravest  and  most  distinguished  Spanish 
adventurers  of  this  period,  was  Pizarro.  Rumors  of  its 
wealth  and  splendor  attracted  his  attention  to  the  Peruvian 
empire.  He  started  from  Panama  on  his  first  expedition  in 
1524,  but  effected  nothing  more  than  the  discovery  of  some 
islands  on  the  coast. 

93.  A  second  attempt  was  made  two  years  later.  The  in 
terior  of  the  country  was  visited,  but  with  incredible  labor 
and  suffering.  On  one  occasion,  worn  out  by  fatigue  and 

during  his  torture  ?  What  finally  became  of  Guatimozin  ?  What  was  the  conse 
quence?  91.  What  obliged  Cortez  to  return  to  Spain?  What  expedition  did  he  after 
wards  make  ?  How  was  he  treated  at  court  ?  How  did  he  rebuke  the  king  on  one  oc 
casion  ?  At  what  age  did  he  die  ?  92.  What  distinguished  adventurer  is  next  men- 
tioned  ?  To  what  empire  did  he  turn  his  attention  ?  What  is  said  of  his  first  expedi- 
tkm  ?  98.  Give  an  account  of  his  second  expedition.  What  story  is  told  of  Pizarro 


64 


CONQUEST   OF    MEXICO    AND   PERU. 


[1536 


PIZAERO   AND   HIS   MEN. 

disease,  many  of  the  Spaniards  wished  to  give  up  the  enter 
prise.  Pizarro  called  them  together,  drew  a  line  on  the  sand 
with  his  sword  from  east  to  west,  and  thus  addressed  them : 
— "  Comrades,  on  that  side  are  toil,  hunger,  nakedness,  the 
drenching  storm,  battle,  and  death  ;  on  this  side  are  ease  and 
safety.  But  on  that  side  lies  Peru  with  its  wealth  ;  on  this 
is  Panama  with  its  poverty.  Choose,  each  man,  what  best 
becomes  a  brave  Castilian.  For  my  part,  I  go  to  the  south." 
With  these  words  Pizarro  crossed  the  line,  and  thirteen  ol 
his  company  folloAved.  With  this  small  but  determined 
band  Pizarro  persevered.  Succor  reached  him,  and  he  was 
enabled  to  penetrate  to  the  city  of  Tumbez  \toom' -batJi],  and 
see  with  his  own  eyes  the  riches  of  which  he  had  heard. 

94.  In  1531,  armed  with  authority  from  the  Spanish  court, 
Pizarro  commenced  his  last  expedition  for  the  conquest  of 
Peru.  With  an  insignificant  force  of  110  foot-soldiers,  67 

;>nd  bis  men  ?    How  far  did  they  penetrate  ?    94.  When  did  Pizarro  commence  his  lost 


153l]  VOYAGE    OF    MAGELLAN.  t)0 

horsemen,  and  two  pieces  of  artillery,  he  overthrew  the  em 
pire  of  the  Incas,  extending  2,000  miles  in  length,  inhabited 
by  millions  of  wealthy  and  civilized  natives,  and  defended 
by  large  and  well-disciplined  armies.  It  was  only  by  con 
summate  skill  and  bravery,  and  too  often  by  brutality  and 
fraud,  that  he  succeeded  in  this  vast  enterprise.  The  coun 
try  being  subdued,  Pizarro  ruled  it  with  royal  power,  and 
cruelly  oppressed  the  natives.  He  founded  Lima  [le'-ma], 
and  made  it  his  capital,  planted  various  colonies,  and  worked 
the  mines  with  which  the  land  abounded.  A  conspiracy  was 
formed  against  him  in  1541,  to  which  he  fell  a  victim. 

95.  About  the  time  that  Cortez  was  engaged  in  conquer 
ing  Mexico,  Magellan  [ma-jel'-lan],  a  Portuguese  navigator 
in  the  service  of  Spain,  was  trying  to  find  the  southern  ex 
tremity  of  America,  and  to  reach  the  East  Indies  by  sailing 
around  it.  In  1520,  he  entered  the  strait  since  called  by  his 
name.  Clearing  it  in  safety,  he  saw  the  great  ocean  spread 
out  before  him.  With  tears  of  joy,  he  returned  thanks  to 
Heaven  for  having  crowned  his  labors  with  success.  He 
pursued  his  way  westward  as  far  as  the  Philippine  [feJip'- 
pin]  Islands,  and  called  the  ocean  the  Pacific,  on  account  oi 
its  tranquillity  during  his  voyage.  The  king  of  Ze-bu',  one 
of  the  Philippines,  promised  to  embrace  Christianity  with 
his  subjects,  on  condition  that  the  Spaniards  would  aid  him 
against  the  inhabitants  of  a  neighboring  island.  Magellan 
accepted  the  offer,  but  was  killed  in  the  engagement  that 
followed.  The  expedition  was  carried  on  under  another 
commander.  One  of  the  ships  finally  reached  home  by  way 
of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  after  an  absence  of  a  little  over 
three  years.  This  was  the  first  vessel  that  ever  sailed  round 
the  globe. 

expedition?  With  what  force?  How  was  it  that  he  succeeded  in  his  enterprise? 
Having  subdued  the  country,  how  did  Pizarro  rule?  What  became  of  him  at  last? 
95.  What  great  navigator  flourished  at  this  time?  What  achievement  did  he  perform? 
Where  did  he  then  go?  What  ocean  did  he  name?  What  was  his  fute  ?  Alter  Ma 
gellan's  death,  what  became  of  the  expedition  ? 


66 


ENGLISH   EXPLORATIONS    AND   SETTLEMENTS. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

ENGLISH   EXPLORATIONS   AND   SETTLEMENTS. 

96.  DURING  the  reigns  of  Edward  VI.  and  Mary,  no  at 
tempts  were  made  by  England  to  explore  or  colonize  Amer 
ica  ;  but  with  the  accession  of  Elizabeth  the  spirit  of  adven 
ture  revived.  Sir  Francis  Drake  made  several  voyages  to 
the  new  world,  during  which  he  suffered  much  from  the 
Spaniards ;  but  in  1572  he  avenged  his  injuries,  by  landing 
on  the  Isthmus  of  Panama  and  capturing  a  large  amount  of 
treasure  that  was  about  to  be  shipped  for  Spain.  On  this 
expedition,  one  of  the  native  guides  showed  Drake  "  a  good- 
lie  and  great  high  tree",  from  the  top  of  which  the  Pacific 
Ocean  could  be  seen.  Drake  climbed  it ;  and  gazing  out  on 
that  broad  expanse  whose  shores  were  thought  to  teem  with 
riches,  he  solemnly  "  besought  God  to  give  him  health  and 
life  once  to  sail  an  English  ship  in  those  seas". 

On  his  return  to 
England,Drake  fit 
ted  out  a  squadron 
to  explore  the  un 
known  ocean  he 
had  beheld.  Pass 
ing  through  the 
Strait  of  Magellan, 
he  cruised  on  the 
Pacific,  took  a 
number  of  Span 
ish  vessels  and  a 
vast  amount  of 
treasure,  and  pen 
etrated  as  far  north 
as  latitude  43,  on  the  coast  of  Oregon.  He  spent  the  winter 
of  1579-80  in  the  harbor  of  San  Francisco,  and  gave  the 

96.  In  whose  reign  did  the  spirit  of  adventure  revive  in  England?  Who  made  sev 
eral  voyages  to  the  new  world  ?  From  what  people  did  he  suffer  ?  How  did  he  avonse 
his  injuries?  What  incident  took  place  on  the  Isthmus?  On  his  return  to  England, 


DRAKE'S  SUIT*, — THE  GOLDEN 


1580J  KALEIGIl's    ATTEMPTS    AT    COLONIZATION.  67 

name  of  New  Albion  to  the  surrounding  country.  Fearing 
an  attack  from  the  Spaniards  if  he  should  attempt  to  re- 
cross  the  Atlantic,  he  returned  home  by  way  of  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  having  circumnavigated  the  globe  in  two  years 
and  ten  months. 

97.  In  1578,  Sir  Humphrey  Gilbert  received  a  patent  from 
Queen  Elizabeth,  by  which  he  was  created  lord  of  any  land 
he  might  settle  with  an  English  colony.     He  made  two  voy 
ages,  but  accomplished  little  more  than  the  erection  of  a  pil 
lar  bearing  the  arms  of  England.     On  his  last  return  voyage 
in  a  very  small  vessel,  he  was  overtaken  by  a  violent  storm. 
The  lights  of  his  ship  suddenly  disappeared  in   the  night, 
and  he  was  never  seen  again. 

98.  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  [raw'-le],  not  discouraged  by  the 
fate  of  Gilbert,  who  was  his  brother-in-law,  next  carried  on 
the  work  of  discovery  under  an  ample  charter  from  Elizabeth. 
Two  of  his  vessels  under  Am'-i-das  and  Bar'-low  reached  the 
coast  of  Carolina  in  1584.     The  new  land  seemed  to  the  ad 
venturers   a   delightful   paradise.      Luxuriant  vines   twined 
round  the  "  sweete  smelling  timber  trees"  ;  grapes  hung  in 
abundance  from  the  branches  ;  and  shady  bowers  echoed  on 
all   sides   the   music  of  beautiful  wild  birds.     The  natives 
seemed  to  be  gentle  and  confiding,  and  to  live  "  after  the 
manner  of  the  golden  age".     The  voyagers  were  hospitably 
entertained  by  an  Indian  queen  on  Roanoke  Island;  but, 
without  waiting  to  see  much  of  the  country,  they  returned 
hojne,  accompanied  by  two  of  the  natives.    The  virgin  queen 
of  England  was  so  pleased  with  their  description  of  this  en 
chanting  region  that  she  named  it  Virginia  in  honor  of  herself. 
A  99.  Thus  encouraged,  Raleigh,  in  1585,  sent  out  a  fleet 
under  Sir  Richard  Grenville,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a 
permanent  settlement.     Grenville  was  brave,  but  hasty,  and, 

what  did  Drake  do?  Give  an  account  of  his  cruise  on  the  Pacific,  97.  In  1578,  who 
received  a  patent  from  the  queen  ?  Give  an  account  of  Gilbert's  voyages.  98.  Who 
next  carried  on  the  work  of  discovery  ?  By  whom  were  two  of  his  vessels  command 
ed  ?  What  part  of  the  coast  did  they  reach  ?  How  did  the  new  land  appear  to  the 
adventurers?  By  whom  were  the  voyagers  entertained  ?  Who  accompanied  them  on 
their  return  voyage?  What  name  was  given  to  the  region,  and  why?  99.  What  waa 
Raleigh  thus  encouraged  to  attempt?  What  was  Grenville's  character?  What  iin- 


68  ENGLISH    EXPLORATIONS    AND    SETTLEMENTS.       [l585 

while  exploring  the  coast,  he  burned  a  village  of  the  Indians 
in  revenge  for  their  having  stolen  a  silver  cup  from  his  party. 
Having  landed  the  colonists  on  the  Island  of  Roanoke,  Gren- 
ville  returned  to  England,  leaving  Ralph  Lane  in  command 
as  governor.  The  Indians,  meanwhile,  had  not  forgotten 
the  wanton  destruction  of  their  property ;  and  with  glowing 
stories  respecting  the  interior  of  the  country  they  lured  the 
English  on  a  disastrous  expedition  up  the  Roanoke.  It  was 
with  great  difficulty  that  the  adventurers  made  their  way 
back  to  the  coast,  sassafras  tea  and  dog-flesh  being  all  that 
saved  them  from  starvation  during  part  of  the  journey. 

Soon  after  this,  Sir  Francis  Drake  touched  at  Roanoke, 
and  allowed  the  colonists,  wh<y  longed  once  more  for  their 
native  land,  to  return  in  his  vessel.  They  had  learned  from 
the  Indians  the  use  of  tobacco  and  the  potato,  and  introduced 
both  into  England.  The  Indians  were  in  the  habit  of  smoking 
tobacco,  but  the  practices  of  chewing  and  snuffing  it  origina 
ted  among  civilized  Europeans. 

A  few  days  after  they  had  scaled,  Grenville  arrived  with 
reinforcements  and  supplies.  He  left  fifteen  men  to  keep 
possession  of  the  country  for  England,  but  the  following  year 
their  bones  alone  could  be  found. 

100.  In  1587,  Raleigh  sent  out  another  party,  who  arrived 
at  Roanoke  and  commenced  building  "the  City  of  Raleigh", 
for  which  they  had  received  a  charter.  White,  the  governor 
of  the  little  settlement,  soon  returned  to  England  for  further 
supplies,  leaving  on  the  island  89  men,  17  women,  and  2  chil 
dren,  one  of  whom,  Virginia  Dare,  was  the  first  child  born 
of  English  parents  in  America.  He  found  his  countrymen  in 
a  state  of  great  excitement  on  account  of  a  threatened  inva 
sion  by  the  Spanish ;  and  no  relief  could  be  sent  to  the  infant 
colony  till  1590.  In'  that  year,  White  returned  to  seek  his 
family  and  settlement,  but  found  only  a  heap  of  ruins.  What 

prudent  act  did  he  commit?  What  took  place  soon  after?  How  did  the  Indians  re 
venge  their  injuries?  Who  reached  Roanoke  soon  after?  What  did  he  allow  the 
colonists  to  do?  What  bad  they  learned  from  the  Indians?  A  few  days  after,  who 
arrived?  What  became  of  the  men  he  left?  100.  In  1587,  what  city  was  commenced 
in  the  new  world  ?  How  many  did  White  leave  in  the  colony?  What  prevented  White 
from  immediately  returning?  What  became  of  the  colonists ?  To  whom  did  Kaleigh 


0J       ' 

1590]  JAMES   FIRST'S    GRANT.  69 

became  of  the  colonists  was  never  ascertained,  but  it  is  sup 
posed  that  they  were  killed  by  the  Indians. 

Raleigh  had  spent  nearly  $200,000  in  these  attempts  to  settle 
Virginia;  and,  having  exhausted  his  means,  he  made  over 
his  charter  to  a  company  of  merchants.  He  was  afterwards 
unjustly  condemned  on  a  charge  of  plotting  against  James  I., 
and  after  a  long  imprisonment,  which  he  employed  in  writing 
a  history  of  the  world,  he  was  at  length  beheaded,  under  a 
sentence  which  had  for  years  been  forgotten.  Thus  perished 
one  of  the  wisest  men  and  most  skilful  navigators  of  the  age. 

101.  The  attempts  made  up  to  this  time  to  colonize  Amer 
ica  had  been  signally  unsuccessful.     Adventurers,  however, 
were   not  discouraged.      In   1G02,  Bartholomew  Gos'-nold 
crossed  the  Atlantic  by  a  new  and  direct  route  in  seven 
weeks,  and  reached  the  coast  of  Massachusetts.     He  discov 
ered  Cape  Cod,  and  gave  it  that  name  from  the  fish  taken 
there.     The  next  year,  Pring  explored  part  of  the  coast  of 
Maine,  and  in  1605  Weymouth  [wa'-muth]  discovered  the 
Pe-nob'-scot  River,. 

102.  Gosriold's  representations  induced  Wingfield,  a  mer 
chant,  Robert  Hunt,  a  clergyman,  and  John  Smith,  an  ad 
venturer  of  genius  and  distinction,  to  attempt  a  permanent 
settlement  in  Virginia ;  and,  to  encourage  the  movement, 
James  I.,  in  1606,  granted  an  extensive  tract,  12  degrees  in 
width  and  reaching  from  Halifax  to  Cape  Fear,  to  two  asso 
ciations  known  as  the  Plymouth  Company  and  the  London 
Company.    The  territory  of  the  former  lay  between  parallels 
45  and  41 ;  that  of  the  latter,  between  38  and  34 :  the  inter 
mediate  country  was  to  be  open  to  both.     The  same  year 
the  London  Company  sent  out  a  colony  of  105  persons,  in 
cluding  48  "gentlemen"  and  four  carpenters,  under  command 
of  Capt.  Newport.     A  storm  carried  them  past  the  ruins  of 
Raleigh's  settlement  into  Chesapeake  Bay,  where  they  found 
a  noble  river  which  they  named  from  King  James. 

surrender  his  charter,  and  why  ?  What  was  his  subsequent  history?  101.  What  is  said 
of  the  attempts  to  colonize  America  up  to  1602?  What  discovery  was  made  in  this 
year,  and  by  whon.?  What  coast  and  river  were  explored  soon  after?  102.  Whom 
did  Gosnold  induce  to  attempt  a  permanent  settlement  in  Virginia?  How  did  James  I. 
encourage  the  movement  ?  In  1GOG,  whom  did  the  London  Company  send  out  ?  Whore 


THE   VIRGINIA   SETTLEMENTS. 


70  ENGLISH    EXPLORATIONS   AND   SETTLEMENTS.       [lG07 

In  May,  1607, 
the  new-comers 
selected  a  penin 
sula  50  miles  from 
the  mouth  of  the 
river,  and  there 
laid  the  founda 
tion  of  their  con 
templated  city, — 
giving  it  the  name 
of  "  Jamestown." 
While  exploring 
the  country,  New 
port  and  Smith  visited  the  native  chief  Powhatan,  at  his 
capital,  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  Richmond.  This  king 
of  thirty  tribes  resided  in  a  village  of  twelve  wigwams,  and 
kept  a  guard  of  Indians  about  his  person.  He  was  now 
about  sixty  years  old,  a  tall,  grave,  and  dignified  warrior. 
x  103.  Newport  soon  returned  to  England,  but  not  before 
disease  had  begun  its  work  on  the  settlers.  The  effects  of 
hot  weather,  bad  lodging,  and  food  spoiled  on  the  long  voy 
age,  were  speedily  felt.  A  fortnight  after  Newport's  de 
parture,  hardly  ten  of  the  party  were  able  to  stand.  The 
groans  of  the  sick  and  helpless  were  heard  on  every  side, 
and  despair  weighed  down  the  hearts  of  all.  Before  au 
tumn,  half  the  party,  including  Gosnold,  had  died.  Wing- 
field,  who  had  been  elected  president,  was  deposed  for  con 
spiring  with  a  few  others  to  seize  the  public  stores  and  es 
cape  to  the  West  Indies.  His  successor  had  neither  nerve 
nor  energy.  At  this  juncture  the  management  of  the  colony 
was  by  common  consent  intrusted  to  Capt.  John  Smith. 
The  previous  career  of  this  remarkable  man  had  been  event- 
were  they  carried  ?  Where  did  they  fix  their  settlement  ?  What  name  did  they  give 
to  it  ?  [See  Map,  On  which  bank  of  the  James  River  was  Jamestown  ?  In  what  direc 
tion  from  Richmond  ?  Name  the  three  rivers  that  flow  into  Chesapeake  B:iy.  What 
Indian  tribe  lived  east  of  Chesapeake  Bay?]  Whom  did  Newport  and  Smith  visit? 
Give  an  account  of  this  warrior  and  his  village.  108.  What  befell  the  colony  after  New 
port's  departure  ?  Before  autumn,  how  many  had  died?  What  plan  was  formed  by 
Wingfield  ?  What  was  the  character  of  his  successor  ?  To  whom  was  the  management 
of  the  colony  now  intrusted?  Give  some  account  of  Smith's  previous  career.  How 


1607]  CAPTURE    OF   CAPTAIN    SMITH.  71 

fill.  He  had  fought  for  freedom  in  Holland  ;  he  had  travel- 
led  through  France,  and  visited  Italy  and  Egypt ;  he  had 
battled  against  the  Turks  hi  Hungary,  served  as  a  slave  in 
Constantinople  and  the  Crimea,  escaped  through  Russia,  and 
found  a  new  field  for  adventure  in  Morocco.  He  now  rose 
among  his  dying  comrades  as  the  guardian  genius  of  Vir 
ginia, 

Smith's  prudent  measures  soon  brought  about  a  better 
state  of  things.  He  prevented  the  timid  from  abandoning 
the  colony,  and  awed  the  rebellious  into  obedience.  Several 
voyages  of  discovery  were  also  undertaken,  during  one  of 
which  his  companions,  in  consequence  of  leaving  their  boat 
contrary  to  orders,  were  captured  by  the  Indians  and  put  to 
death.  Smith  himself,  after  killing  three  of  his  enemies, 
sunk  in  a  marsh  and  was  obliged  to  surrender.  He  saved 
himself  from  immediate  death  by  awakening  the  curiosity  of 
the  savages,  showing  them  his  pocket  compass,  and  telling 
them  the  wonders  of  astronomy.  Wishing  to  propitiate  the 
Indians  with  presents,  he  wrote  to  his  countrymen  at  James 
town  to  deposit  certain  articles  in  a  place  in  the  forest  which 
he  mentioned,  and  then  told  his  captors  when  and  where 
they  would  be  found.  The  colonists  complied  with  his  di 
rections  ;  and,  when  the  Indians  found  every  thing  as  Smith 
had  predicted,  they  reverenced  him  as  a  superior  being.  He 
was  led  in  triumph  through  various  villages  of  wondering 
natives,  and  thus  became  acquainted  with  their  character 
and  customs.  At  one  place  where  they  stopped,  the  simple 
inhabitants  brought  him  the  gunpowder  they  had  taken 
from  the  captured  party,  and  told  him  that  they  intended  to 
plant  it  in  order  to  discover  "  the  nature  of  the  seede"; — 

At  last  they  arrived  at  the  residence  of  Powhatan,  to 
whom  the  fate  of  the  captive  was  referred.  The  Indian 
king  condemned  Smith  to  death,  and  the  brave  adventurer 
bowed  his  head  on  a  large  stone  to  receive  the  fatal  blow. 


did  he  manage  affairs?  What  happened  during  one  of  his  voyages?  How  did  Smith 
save  himself  from  immediate  death  ?  How  did  he  astonish  the  Indians?  How  did  he 
become  acquainted  with  their  customs?  What  anecdote  is  told  of  the  Indians? 
Where  did  they  at  last  arrive  ?  What  sentence  was  pronounced  on  Smith  ?  How  waa 


72  ENGLISH    EXPLORATIONS    AND   SETTLEMENTS.       [l6O8 

He  was  rescued  in  an  unexpected  manner.  Po-ca-hon'-tas, 
Powhatan's  daughter  and  the  favorite  of  the  whole  tribe, 
had  become  warmly  attached  to  the  kind  and  friendly 
prisoner,  who  had  amused  his  leisure  hours  by  making  toys 
for  the  beautiful  child  and  setting  the  wonders  of  nature  be 
fore  her  inquiring  mind.  Though  only  twelve  years  old, 
Pocahontas  was  distinguished  for  ready  wit  and  generosity 
of  spirit.  As  the  savage  executioner  lifted  his  war-club,  she 
threw  herself  bet  ween  it  and  the  prisoner,  placed  her  head 
upon  his,  and,  entreating  her  father  to  spare  the  life  of  her 
friend,  declared  that  she  would  save  him  or  perish.  Pow 
hatan's  heart  relented  ;  and  Smith  was  not  only  spared,  but 
allowed  to  return  to  Jamestown  with  assurances  of  friend 
ship  on  the  part  of  the  Indians.  From  this  time  Pocahon 
tas  was  the  devoted  friend  of  the  colonists.  She  often  visit- 
xed  them  and  relieved  their  distress  with  presents  of  corn. 

J04.  On  his  return  from  captivity,  Smith  found  the  colony 
reduced  to  forty  men,  the  strongest  of  whom  were  preparing 
to  desert  their  companions  and  embark  in  a  career  of  piracy. 
This  desperate  act  was  prevented  by  the  return  of  the  com 
mander ;  and  soon  after  Newport  arrived  with  120  immi 
grants.  Some  of  these  were  goldsmiths ;  who,  finding  what 
they  took  for  an  ore  of  gold,  quickly  enkindled  among  the 
colonists  an  insane  passion  for  that  precious  metal.  New 
port  returned  to  England  with  a  cargo  of  the  new-found 
treasure,  which  proved  to  be  but  glittering  sand. 

Three  months  of  the  year  1608  were  spent  by  Smith  in 
exploring  Chesapeake  Bay  and  the  Susquehanna.  Here  he 
first  heard  of  the  Mo '-hawks,  who  "  dwelt  upon  a  great  wa 
ter,  had  many  boats  and  many  men,  and  made  war  on  all 
the  world".  He  discovered  the  harbor  of  Baltimore,  passed 
up  the  Potomac  above  Mount  Vernon,  met  the  natives, 
whether  friendly  or  hostile,  in  a  way  that  commanded  their 


he  saved?  For  what  was  Pocahontas  distinguished?  How  did  she  afterwards  treat 
the  colonists ?  104.  On  his  return,  in  what  state  did  Smith  find  the  colony?  What 
were  some  preparing  to  do?  What  prevented  this  desperate  act?  Who  soon  after 
arrived?  What  delusion  distracted  the  colonists  for  a  time?  How  did  Smith  spend 
part  of  the  year  1608  ?  How  many  miles  did  he  go,  and  what  did  ho  discover  and  ao- 


iocs]  SMITH'S  ADMINISTRATION.  73 

respect,  and  made  an  accurate  map  of  the  whole  region. 
Three  thousand  miles  were  thus  traversed  in  an  open  boat. 

Smith's  superiority  as  a  leader  was  now  so  evident  that  he 
was  elected  president  of  the  council ;  and  the  colony  was 
soon  increased  by  the  arrival  of  Newport  with  70  immi 
grants.  The  new  comers,  however,  were  not  accustomed  to 
labor  or  hardship,  and  Smith  wrote  home,  "  When  you  send 
again,  I  entreat  you  rather  send  but  thirty  carpenters,  hus 
bandmen,  gardeners,  fishermen,  blacksmiths,  masons,  and 
diggers  up  of  trees'  roots,  well  provided,  than  a  thousand  of 
such  as  we  have." 

^y  105.  In  1609,  a  new  charter  was  granted  to  the  company, 
which  extended  the  limits  of  the  colony  and  endowed  the 
council  and  governor  with  fuller  powers  than  they  had  be 
fore  enjoyed.  Lord  Del'-a-ware  was  appointed  governor, 
and  nine  vessels  containing  supplies  and  500  men  were  sent 
out  under  Gates,  Newport,  and  Somers  [sum'-erz],  who  were 
to  manage  affairs  till  Delaware  should  arrive.  A  violent 
storm  off  the  Ber-mu'-das  stranded  the  vessel  that  bore  the 
three  leaders ;  but  the  rest  of  the  fleet  for  the  most  part 
reached  Jamestown  in  safety.  It  was  nine  months  before 
Gates  and  his  shipwrecked  companions  joined  their  country 
men  ;  and  in  the  mean  time  it  required  all  Smith's  genius 
to  suppress  dissensions  and  prevent  the  dissolution  of  the 
colony.  Many  of  those  who  had  recently  arrived  were  loose 
in  their  habits  and  averse  to  toil ;  they  refused  to  comply 
with  Smith's  regulations  and  denied  his  authority.  The  In 
dians,  too,  began  to  be  jealous  of  the  growing  numbers  of 
the  English,  and  formed  a  plot  for  surprising  and  murdering 
them.  This  was  defeated  by  Pocahontas  ;  who,  at  the  risk 
of  her  own  life,  came  through  the  woods  at  midnight,  and 
with  tears  warned  the  colonists  to  be  on  their  guard. 

Despite  these  trying  circumstances,  Smith  was  not  dis- 

oomplish  during  the  voyage  ?  What  honor  was  next  conferred  on  Smith  ?  IIow  was 
the  colony  soon  after  increased  ?  What  was  the  character  of  the  newcomers?  What 
did  Smith  write  home  about  them  ?  105.  In  1609.  what  chanpre  was  made  in  the  com 
pany's  charter?  Who  was  appointed  governor?  IIow  many  vessels  and  men  were  seut 
out  ?  Under  whom  ?  What  happened  to  the  fleet  and  the  leaders  ?  What  difficulties 
beset  Smith  meanwhile?  What  plot  was  formed  by  the  Indians?  How  was  it  defeat- 

4 


74  ENGLISH    EXPLORATIONS   AND   SETTLEMENTS.       [l«00 

couraged  ;  and  it  is  probable  that  he  would  have  triumphed 
over  every  difficulty  had  he  not  been  wounded  by  an  acci 
dental  explosion  of  powder,  which  rendered  his  return  to 
England  necessary.  Though  he  was  several  times  after  this 
in  New  England,  Capt.  Smith  never  revisited  Jamestown ; 
and,  notwithstanding  his  services,  he  received  no  reward 
from  the  home  government.  He  died  in  1631,  leaving  a 
name  as  honorable  as  any  that  the  history  of  his  age  pre 
sents. 

106.  With  Smith's  departure  began  a  series  of  disasters 
for  the  colonists.     They  were  now  490  in  number  ;  and,  too 
indolent  to  raise  their  own  supplies,  they  made  extravagant 
demands  of  the  Indians,  while  their  overbearing  conduct 
added  insult  to  injury.     Open  quarrels  arose.     Small  parties 
of  whites  were  cut  off,  and  a  plan  was  laid  by  the  Indians 
for  a  general  massacre.     Famine  ensued.     Thirty  of  the  set 
tlers  seized  a  ship  and  sailed  away  as  pirates ;  and,  in  six 
months  from  Smith's  departure,  the  colony  was  reduced  to  a 
feeble  remnant  of  60,  and  these  were  on  the  point  of  perish 
ing.     This  period  of  suffering  was  long  remembered  as  "  the 
starving  time". 

-  On  the  arrival  of  Gates  from  Bermuda,  so  discouraging 
was  the  state  of  affairs  that  it  was  resolved  to  abandon  the 
settlement.  They  had  nearly  reached  the  mouth  of  the 
river,  when  Lord  Delaware's  boat  came  in  sight  with  abun 
dant  reinforcen  .ents  and  supplies.  The  sufferers  were  per 
suaded  to  return,  and  prosperity  once  more  smiled  on  the 
little  colony.  Labor  was  required  of  all,  and  new  forts  were 
erected  as  a  defence  against  the  Indians.  But  hardly  were 
the  good  effects  of  Lord  Delaware's  wise  and  energetic 
^measures  beginning  to  be  felt,  when  ill  health  obliged  him 
to  return  to  England. 

107.  Sir  Thomas  Dale  succeeded  as  governor,  and  further 

cd  ?  What  accident  befell  Smith  ?  What  became  of  him  ?  What  is  said  of  his  charac 
ter?  106.  With  Smith's  departure  what  commenced?  How  many  were  left  In  the 
colony  ?  How  did  they  conduct  themselves  towards  the  Indians  ?  What  was  the  con 
sequence?  Six  months  after  Smith's  departure,  what  was  the  state  of  the  colony?  On 
the  arrival  of  Gates,  what  resolution  was  formed  ?  What  prevented  them  from  carry 
ing  it  out?  Describe  Lord  Delaware's  administration.  What  put  au  end  to  it? 


161l]  POCAHONTAS'S    VISIT   TO    ENGLAND.  75 

arrivals  added  much  to  the  size  and  strength  of  the  colony. 
Several  new  settlements  were  made  higher  up  the  river.  In 
1611,  cattle  and  liogs  were  introduced  from  Europe. 

108.  In  1613,  Pocahontas,  the  ever  true  and  affectionate 
friend  of  the  English,  was  purchased  by  Capt.  Argall,  from 
a  tribe  that  she  was  visiting,  for  a  copper  kettle.     Her  father 
refused  to  ransom  her  on  the  terms  proposed,  and  prepared 
for  war.     This  was  averted  by  John  Rolfe  [rolf],  an  Eng 
lish  planter,  who  offered  to  marry  the  gentle  Indian  girl,  and 
'instruct  her  in  the  doctrines  of  Christianity.     The  proposal 
was  gladly  accepted  by  Powhatan,  whc^  was  ever  afterwards 
a  firm  friend  and  ally  of  the  English.     Pocahontas,  having 
renounced  the  religion  of  her  fathers,  was  baptized  as  a  Chris 
tian  believer  and  married  to  Rolfe.     Three  years  afterwards 
he  took  her  to  England.     In  London,  she  was  an  object  of 
general  interest.     An  apartment  was  allotted  her  in  the  pal 
ace,  where  she  was  visited  by  crowds.     Among  others  came 
her  old  friend,  Captain  Smith.     She  had  heard  that  he  was 
dead ;  and,  on  seeing  so  unexpectedly  a  man  bound  to  her 
heart  by  tender  recollections,  she  was  overcome  with  emo 
tion,  and  buried  her  face  in  her  hands  to  conceal  her  tears. 
When  about  to  return  to  America  with  her  husband  and  in 
fant  son,  she  suddenly  died,  at  the  age  of  22.     This  son, 
Thomas,  was  educated  by  his  uncle,  and  became  a  man  ol 
wealth  and  distinction.     From  him  some  of  the  leading  fam 
ilies  of  Virginia  derive  their  descent. 

109.  An  attempt  was  made  by  the  colonists  in  1614  to 
obtain  aid  from  Parliament,  but  without  success ;  and  Vir 
ginia  had  to  rely  on  the  exportation  of  tobacco  as  a  source 
of  revenue :   even  the  streets  of  Jamestown  were  planted 
with  it.     Tobacco  thus  became  the  staple  ;  and,  as  com  was 
scarce,  it  even  passed  for  money. 

In  1619,  after  several  years  of  mismanagement  and  tyran 
ny,  George  Yeardley  \yurd' -le\  became  governor  of  Virginia. 

107.  Who  succeeded  as  governor  ?  What  took  place  during  bis  administration  ?  10& 
In  1G13,  what  happened  to  Pocahontas?  What  seemed  likely  to  be  the  result?  How 
was  war  averted  ?  Give  an  account  of  Pocahontas's  visit  to  England,  and  meeting  with 
Smith.  At  what  ag?  did  she  die  ?  What  became  of  her  son  ?  109.  In  1614,  what  un 
successful  attempt  was  made  by  the  colonists  ?  On  what  were  they  obliged  to  rely 


76  DUTCH    DISCOVERIES    AND   SETTLEMENTS.  [l619 

Within  a  few  months  after  his  appointment,  a  colonial  as 
sembly  was  established.  It  was  known  as  "  the  House  of 
Burgesses",  and  convened  at  Jamestown.  This  was  the  first 
representative  body  in  America.  It  consisted  of  two  mem 
bers  from  each  of  the  eleven  boroughs  into  which  the  colony 
was  divided. 

110.  Hitherto  there  had  been  but  few  women  in  the  col 
ony  ;  but  Sir  Edward  San'-dys,  convinced  that  pleasant  homes 
were  necessary  to  give  permanence  to  the  settlement,  in 
duced  ninety  young  women  to  cross  the  ocean  at  the  expense 
of  the  company ;  and  they  were  soon  disposed  of  as  wives 
to  the  settlers,  at  the  rate  of  100  pounds  of  tobacco  (worth 
about  $75)  each.  The  next  year,  sixty  more  were  sent  over, 
and  the  price  of  a  wife  rose  to  150  pounds  of  tobacco.  From 
1619  to  1621,  3,500  persons  found  their  way  to  Virginia.  A 
written  constitution  was  obtained,  and  trial  by  jury  and  a 
representative  government  became  acknowledged  rights. 

Up  to  this  tjme,  the  company  had  expended  about  $400,000 
on  the  colony ;  and  the  result  was  thus  far  unsatisfactory, 
though  there  was  a  good  promise  for  the  future. 


CHAPTER   V. 

DUTCH    DISCOVERIES   AND    SETTLEMENTS. 

111.  YEERAZZANI,  during  his  voyage  in  1524  in  search  of 
a  northwest  passage  to  India,  passed  along  the  coast  of  New 
Jersey,  and  came  near  discovering  the  harbor  of  New  York. 
He  reached  the  adjacent  islands,  but  was  driven  to  sea  by 
adverse  winds  ;  and  the  discovery  of  the  Hudson  River  and 

For  what  was  tobacco  used  ?  Who  became  governor  in  1619  ?  This  same  year,  what 
was  established  ?  What  was  it  called  ?  Where  did  it  convene  ?  What  makes  this  body 
worthy  of  particular  mention?  Of  what  did  it  consist?  110.  How  did  Sandys  con 
tribute  to  the  prosperity  of  the  settlement?  Give  an  account  of  the  importation  of 
wives.  How  many  persons  came  to  Virginia  between  1619  and  1621  ?  What  did  the 
colonists  now  obtain  ?  How  much  had  the  company  expended  in  colonizing  Virginia? 
What  is  said  of  the  result  thus  far  ? 
111.  Who,  in  1524,  came  near  discovering  the  Hudson?  What  prevented  his  doing 


1608]  HUDSON    AND    HIS    "  HALF-MOON."  77 

the  noble  harbor  at  its  mouth  was  reserved  for  the  Dutch, 
eighty-five  years  later. 

This  enterprising  people,  having  thrown  off  the  Spanish 
yoke,  established  a  commercial  republic.  Though  their  coun 
try  contained  not  a  single  forest,  they  built  more  ships  than 
all  the  rest  of  Europe ;  and,  while  yet  battling  for  liberty, 
they  traded  with  the  most  distant  parts  of  the  world.  An 
association  for  traffic  and  colonization  was  formed  in  1608, 
under  the  name  of  the  East  India  Company ;  and  Henry 
Hudson,  who  had  previously  made  two  voyages  to  the  new 
world  in  behalf  of  English  merchants,  was  taken  into  their 
employ.  He  embarked  in  1609  ;  and,  after  following  the 
coast  from  Maine  to  Virginia,  and  discovering  Delaware  Bay, 
he  turned  to  the  north,  and  entered  the  passage  between 
Long  Island  and  Sandy  Hook,  the  northeastern  extremity  of 
New  Jersey.  On  the  llth  of  September,  he  sailed  through 
the  Narrows,  and  found  himself  in  one  of  the  finest  harbors 
in  the  world.  He  entered  the  river  since  called  by  his  name, 
and  ascended  it  a  few  miles  beyond  where  Albany  now 
stands. 


TUB   HALF-MOON    ASCENDING   THE    HUDSON. 

(By  the  courtesy  of  George  IL  Moore,  Esq.,  of  the  N.  T.  Historical  Society.) 

»o T    For  whom  was  this  honor  reserved?    What  was  the  condition  of  the  Dutch  at 
this  time?    In  1608,  what  was  formed?     WLoin  did  they  employ?    When  did  he  ss*!!  ? 


78  DUTCH    DISCOVERIES    AND   SETTLEMENTS.  [l6O9 

The  natives,  as  elsewhere,  were  struck  with  amazement  at 
sight  of  the  new  comers.  When  they  beheld  Hudson's  ship, 
the  Half-moon,  approaching  from  the  sea,  they  knew  not 
what  to  make  of  the  monster.  As  it  came  nearer,  it  seemed 
to  be  a  floating  house ;  and  at  last  they  found  it  to  be  an  im 
mense  canoe  filled  with  beings  of  a  different  race,  whose  com 
mander,  dressed  in  scarlet,  they  took  to  be  the  Manitou 
himself.  Runners  were  sent  with  the  news  to  ah1  the  sur 
rounding  tribes. 

The  Indians  awaited  the  approach  of  the  strangers  on  the 
southern  point  of  the  island  now  occupied  by  New  York  city, 
and  received  them  with  respect  and  friendship.  Hudson 
landed  with  his  crew,  and  ordered  a  calabash  of  rum  to  be 
brought.  After  drinking  himself,  he  offered  it  to  the  chiefs. 
The  first  srnelled  the  liquor,  but  passed  it  on ;  so  did  the 
next ;  and  it  went  untasted  till  it  reached  the  last  of  the 
party.  Unwilling  to  offend  the  Manitou,  he  drank  it  off. 
His  wondering  companions  beheld  him  reel  and  fall  to  the 
earth ;  but  when  they  saw  that  he  recovered  without  injury 
and  heard  him  describe  his  sensations,  they  all  desired  to 
feel  the  same  excitement.  Drinking  of  the  "fire-water", 
they  also  became  intoxicated ;  and  in  this  state  Hudson  left 
them.  The  spot  was  afterwards  called  by  the  Indians  Man 
hattan,  or  "  the  place  of  drunkenness". 

At  this  time,  Manhattan  Island  and  the  valley  of  the  Hud 
son  were  covered  with  giant  trees  draped  with  luxuriant 
grape-vines.  Reptiles  crawled  amid  the  decayed  boughs 
and  foliage  of  former  centuries.  The  spotted  deer  laved  his 
sides  in  the  noble  river,  or  hid  in  dense  thickets  which  the 
sun-light  never  penetrated.  The  fiercer  inhabitants  of  the 
forest  made  their  lairs  in  unexplored  recesses,  undisturbed 
save  by  the  proud  Algonquin,  sole  lord  of  these  vast  solitudes. 

112.  Hudson  returned  to  England.  On  a  subsequent  voy 
age  he  discovered  the  bay  that  bears  his  name.  In  vain  he 
explored  that  inland  sea  for  a  northwest  passage  to  India,  in 

Give  an  account  of  his  voyage.  What  was  liis  vessel  called  ?  What  did  the  natives 
think  of  it«  Describe  Hudson's  meeting  with  the  Indians.  What  name  did  they  give 
to  the  island,  and  what  does  it  signify  f  Describe  the  valley  of  the  Hudson  at  this  time. 


1610J  MANHATTAN    ISLAND   SETTLED.  79 

the  existence  of  which  he  firmly  believed.  Continuing  the 
search  too  long,  he  found  himself  compelled  to  winter  in  this 
frozen  region.  Their  severe  hardships  led  his  men  to  revolt ; 
and  Hudson,  with  his  son  and  eight  others,  was  put  in  a 
small  boat  and  left  to  perish  on  the  vast  body  of  water  which 
his  enterprise  had  discovered. 

113.  In  1610  and  the  following  years,  a  number  of  trading 
vessels  were  sent  out  by  Dutch  merchants.     Valuable  furs 
were  obtained  from  the  Indians,  and  the  traffic  proved  highly 
profitable.     Some  huts  were  soon  erected  on  the  lower  part 
of  Manhattan  Island,  and  in  1614  a  fort  was  built  for  their 
defence.     The  settlement  was  called  New  Amsterdam,  and 
the  name  of  New  Netherlands  was  given  to  the  surrounding 
region.     In  the  year  last  mentioned,  Adrian  Block  sailed  up 
the  East  River  into  the  Sound  and  circumnavigated  Long 
Island.     This  same  discoverer,  having  lost  his  ship  by  fire  at 
New  Amsterdam,  built  the  first  vessel  ever  constructed  at 
that  port.     A  settlement  was  commenced  at  Albany,  then 
called  Fort  Orange,  in  1615. 

114.  In  1616,  a  Dutch  navigator  named  Sehout'-en  first 
rounded  the  southern  extremity  of  the  Western  Continent, 
which  he  named  from  his  native  place  Cape  Horn. 


CHAPTER   VI. 

LANDING    OF   THE   PILGRIMS. 

115.  THE  Plymouth  company,  to  which  King  James 
granted  the  tract  between  the  41st  and  the  45th  parallel  of 
north  latitude,  made  several  attempts  to  colonize  their  terri 
tory,  but  without  success.  One  party  spent  a  winter  at  the 

112.  What  discovery  did  Hudson  afterwards  make  ?  What  was  he  trying  to  find  ?  What 
became  of  this  great  discoverer?  113.  In  1610,  what  was  done?  What  was  the  chief 
article  obtained  ?  What  were  erected  on  Manhattan  Island  ?  What  name  was  given  to 
the  settlement?  What,  to  the  surrounding  region?  What  is  said  of  Adrian  Block  ? 
When  was  Albany  founded?  114.  When  and  by  whom  was  Cape  Horn  first  rounded? 
115.  What  part  of  the  new  world  had  been  granted  to  the  Plymouth  company  ?  What 
Is  said  of  their  attempts  to  colonize  it  ?  Where  did  one  party  spend  the  winter  ?  Whut 


80  LANDING   OF   THE   PILGRIMS.  [l614 

month  of  the  Kennebec,  but  suffered  so  much  from  cold  that 
they  were  glad  to  return  in  the  spring.  In  1614,  Capt.  John 
Smith,  the  illustrious  founder  of  Jamestown,  explored  the 
coast  from  the  Penobscot  to  Cape  Cod,  made  a  map  of  the 
country,  and  gave  it  the  name  of  New  England. 

116.  In  1620,  James  I.  granted  an  immense  tract,  extend 
ing  from  40  to  48  degrees  north  latitude  and  from  ocean  to 
ocean,  to  a  commercial  company  consisting  of  forty  persons. 
So  great  were  the  privileges  thus  granted  that  the  English 
parliament  questioned  the  king's  right  to  give  them ;  and, 
while  they  were  warmly  debating  the  subject  and  the  mo 
nopolists  were  quarrelling  among  themselves,  the  first  per 
manent  settlement  in  New  England  was  made,  without  any 
charter,  by  the  Puritans  or  "  Pilgrim  Fathers". 

117.  The  Puritans  were  first  known  in  England  as  a  sep 
arate  sect  about  1550.     They  were  distinguished  by  a  stern 
abhorrence  of  gayety  and  amusements,  a  profound  love  of 
civil  and  religious  liberty,  and  firmness  in  adhering  to  what 
they  conceived  to  be  the  teachings  of  Scripture.    Persecution 
drove  them  from  their  country;  and,  among  those  who  sought 
in  Holland  the  right  of  worshipping  God  according  to  their 
own  conscience,  was  a  congregation  under  John  Robinson. 

In  1617,  part  of  Robinson's  flock,  after  living  eight  years 
in  Leyden  \li!-d&i\,  formed  the  design  of  emigrating  to  Amer 
ica.  Two  vessels,  the  Mayflower  and  Speedwell,  were  in  1620 

•  got  ready  for  the  voyage  ;  but  the  commander  of  the  latter, 
declaring  it  unfit  for  crossing  the  ocean,  returned  to  port, 
leaving  the  Mayflower  to  go  on  alone  with  100  emigrants. 
They  intended  to  settle  near  the  Hudson  River,  but  were 
carried  to  the  coast  of  Massachusetts  after  a  long  voyage  ol 
sixty-three  days.     A  party  was  sent  out  in  a  small  boat  to 

•  find  a  place  suitable  for  landing.     After  encountering  vari- 

became  of  them  ?  In  1614,  what  was  done  by  Captain  Smith  ?  116.  What  grant  was 
made  by  Jarnes  I.  In  1620  ?  What  question  arose  concerning  it?  Meanwhile  who  hud 
settled  in  New  England  ?  11T.  When  were  the  Puritans  first  known  in  England  ?  By 
what  were  they  distinguished  ?  What  had  driven  many  of  them  from  their  country  ? 
What  congregation  is  mentioned  in  particular?  What  design  did  they  form?  Name 
the  vessels  that  were  prepared  for  the  voyage.  What  became  of  the  Speedwell?  Where 
did  they  intend  to  settle  ?  Where  were  they  carried  ?  What  befell  the  party  sent  out 


i030]  SICKNESS    AND   SUFFERING.  £1 

ous  dangers,  losing  their  rudder  and  sail,  and  suffering  from 
the  extreme  cold,  which  froze  the  spray  upon  their  persons, 
they  at  last  reached  a  harbor  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Massa 
chusetts,  which  they  called  Plymouth  [plim'-uth],  after  the 
port  from  which  they  had  sailed  [see  Map,  p.  84].  On  the 
llth  of  December  (the  21st  according  to  the  New  Style, — 
see  note,  p.  155),  1620,  the  whole  party  landed  on  Plymouth 
rock,  and  near  the  shore  was  commenced  the  first  town  in 
New  England. 

118.  Days  of  suffering  came;  but  the  Pilgrims  met  every 
hardship  with  a  firm  trust  in  God,  thinking  the  civil  and 
religious  liberty  they  enjoyed  a  sufficient  recompense.     Du 
ring  the  month  of  December,  six  of  the  colonists  died  from 
exposure,  and  many  others  fell  sick.     John  Carver,  who  had 
been  chosen  governor  before  they  landed,  lost  his  son  ;  short 
ly  afterwards  he  himself  slept  in  the  same  grave,  and  his 
widow  was  soon  laid  beside  her  husband  and  child.     At  one 
time,  every  person  in  the  settlement  except  seven,  was  on  a 
sick-bed. 

Towards  the  end  of  March,  w^hen  hope  began  to  revive 
with  the  milder  weather,  Sam'-o-set,  a  Wampanoag  Indian, 
entered  the  village  of  huts,  exclaiming,  "  Welcome,  English 
men  !"  He  had  learned  a  little  English  from  previous  voy 
agers,  android  the  colonists  that  they  might  occupy  the  land 
where  they  had  settled,  as  a  pestilence  had  recently  destroyed 
its  former  inhabitants.  In  a  few  days  Mas-sas'-so-it,  a  Wam 
panoag  chief,  visited  Plymouth.  By  the  aid  of  an  Indian 
who  had  been  to  England,  and  was  able  to  act  as  interpreter, 
a  treaty  was  made  with  the  Wampanoags,  who  promised  not 
to  molest  the  whites,  and  acknowledged  the  supremacy  of 
King  James. 

119.  The  Nar-ra-gan'-setts,  a  neighboring  tribe,  were  ene 
mies  of  the  Wampanoags,  and  did  not  like  the  arrival  of  the 

to  find  a  landing-place?  Where  and  when  did  they  finally  land?  [See  Map,  p.  84. 
What  is  the  latitude  of  Plymouth  ?  What  direction  is  it  from  Cape  Cod  ?]  118.  Wh:it 
e'iMied  ?  How  did  the  Pilgrims  meet  their  hardships  ?  What  took  place  in  December? 
What  befell  Governor  Carver's  family  ?  When  did  hope  begin  to  revive  ?  Who  visited 
them  at  this  time?  What  did  he  tell  them  ?  Who  soon  after  visited  Plymouth  ?  What 
did  the  Wwnpanoags  premise  ?  119.  What  i<  said  of  the  Narragansetts  ?  How  did  theii 

4* 


5::  LAXDIXG  OF  THE  PILGRIMS. 

Puritans.  In  1622,  their  chief  Ca-non'-i-cus,  to  show  his  hos 
tility,  sent  Governor  Bradford  (who  had  succeeded  Carver) 
a  bundle  of  arrows  wrapped  in  the  skin  of  a  rattlesnake. 
The  brave  governor  filled  the  skin  with  powder  and  shot  and 
sent  it  back.  YmAmcr  thit  thr«J  <•••!•  wrn1  no!  fiijjjlih  nul, 
the  chief  thought  it  best  to  let  them  alone ;  but  that  they 
might  be  prepared  for  the  worst,  they  surrounded  their  setr 
UfJiifJil  with  a  palisade  of  stakes  a  mile  in  circuit. 

120.  During  the  year  1622,  thirty-five  trading  vessels  vis 
ited  Xew  England,  and  some  provisions  were  bought  by  the 
colonists  at  exorbitant  prices,  for  as  yet  they  had  not  raised 
sufficient  for  their  support.    Their  agricultural  implements 
were  impeded ;  they  had  no  domestic  cattle,  and  were  so 
destitute  of  boats  and  tackle  that  the  fish  which  swarmed  in 
tile  harbor  availed  them  little.    The  following  year,  they 
were  so  far  reduced  that  at  one  time  they  had  but  a  pint  ot 
corn  to  divide,  and  at  another  not  a  single  kernel.     Hitherto 
they  had  cultivated  the  land  in  common ;  but  it  was  thought 
that  the  inducement  to  labor  would  be  greater  if  the  land 
were  divided  and  each  planted  for  himsel£    Accordingly  in 
1624  every  nnlomBt  received  a  small  tract.    After  this,  corn 
was  abundant.     Other  settlers  of  the  same  religions  views 
came  over,  and  in  1630  the  population  was  about  300. 

121.  The  affairs  of  the  colony  were  managed  by  a  gov 
ernor  and  council  of  five,  afterwards  increased  to  seven.    At 
first  the  whole  body  of  citizens  assembled  in  town  meeting, 
and  decided  all  questions  that  arose.    In  1639,  their  num 
ber  had  so  increased  that  a  representative  system  of  govern 
ment  was  introduced.     The  people  made  their  own  laws,  and 
punished  criminals  as  they  chose,  even  with  death,  indepen 
dently  of  the  borne  government.    The  Plymouth  settlers 
were  never  incorporated  by  royal  charter,  and  it  was  not  till 

d>Jrfabowtosb«tflity?    9**  mtQtwmmm  Bradford  reply?    With  what  did  tbe  Po- 
tbetr  ff4*Vfff*?    [See  Haft,  page  84.— What  water  separated  tfce  Xar- 
thr  W«np»mT*]    MO.  la  M82,  whence  did  fee  cettkn  obtain  pn>- 
Why  did  0*7  not  ntae  tbdrowa  fwd»    What  i>  add  of  tfce  Mardty  of 
tfceaextyearf    In  1624,  what  cfeaage  wa»  made  »    What  was  tfce  popafcuioa 
f    14L  By  whom  were  tbe  aflairt  of  the  colony  numbed ?    At  tert,  by  whom 
1?    What  change  wa«  mad*  LnlCW?    What  fow«n  had  tW 


FIKST   ENGAGEMENT   WITH   THE   INDIANS.  ^3 

ten  years  after  their  arrival  that  a  title  to  the  land  they  ofr 
cupied  was  granted  them  by  the  company  in  England. 

I -2-2.  Massassoit  and  his  tribe  remained  faithful  to  the  colo 
nists,  and  were  of  service  to  them  in  various  ways.  The 
chief  never  forgot  that  not  long  after  the  arrival  of  the  Pil 
grims  he  was  cured  of  a  severe  illness  by  one  of  their  num 
ber,  named  Winslow,  who  turned  the  medicine-men  out  01 
his  wigwam  in  the  midst  of  their  noisy  ceremonies,  and  re 
stored  their  patient  with  a  few  simple  remedies.  Massassoit, 
in  Ms  gratitude,  disclosed  to  Winslow  a  plot  that  had  been 
formed  by  some  neighboring  Indians  for  cutting  off  a  party 
of  settlers  at  Weymouth  [see  Map,  p.  84].  Miles  Standish, 
a  very  brave  man  though  small  in  stature,  was  the  military 
leader  of  the  Puritans ;  and  he  was  immediately  sent  with 
eight  men  to  the  aid  of  the  Weymouth  settlers.  The  In 
dians  were  put  to  night  with  the  loss  of  three  men,  including 
their  chie£  whose  head  Staudish  brought  back  in  triumph 
on  a  pole  to  Plymouth,  When  the  news  reached  Robinson, 
who,  though  still  in  Leyden,  felt  a  deep  interest  in  his  for 
mer  people,  he  wrote  back  to  them,  u  Oh,  how  happy  a  thing 
had  it  been,  had  you  converted  some  before  you  killed  any  !w 


CHAPTER  VII. 

MASSACHUSETTS  BAY  COLONY. — SOTT.KVP.NT  OF  RHODE  ISLAND. 

123.  THE  Puritans  of  England,  still  subjected  to  Yarious 
vtions,  continued  to  seek  an  asylum  in  the  new  world. 
A  gram  having  boon  obtained  from  the  Plymouth  Company 
of  a  tract  bordering  on  Massachusetts  Bay,  John  F 

-   -        out  in  lo-S  with  100  :  -.     After  exploring 


84 


MASSACHUSETTS   BAY    COLONY. 


the  neighborhood,  Endicott's  party  finally  settled  at  a  place, 
whose  Indian  name,  Naum'-ke-ag,  they  changed  to  Sa'-lem. 
Two  hundred  more  soon  followed,  some  of  whom  joined  the 
Salem  colony,  while  others  founded  Charlestown. 

124.  Winter,  as  usual,  brought  suffering  and  disease.    The 
following  year,  those  who  held  the  charter  transferred  it  to 
the  colonists  themselves,  and  the  change  resulted  happily 
In  July,  1630,  about  1,500 

persons  arrived.  An  in 
dependent  provincial  gov 
ernment  was  formed,  with 
John  Winthrop  at  its  head. 
Dor/-ches-ter,  Rox'-bury, 
Cambridge  [kame'-bridje], 
and  Watertown,  were 
founded ;  but  the  greater 
part  settled  on  a  peninsula 
jutting  out  into  the  bay, 
invited  thither  by  the  ex 
cellence  of  its  water  and 
the  fertility  of  the  land. 
This  peninsula  they  named 
Boston,  after  a  city  in  Lin 
colnshire  \lin' -Jcun-sheer^ , 
England,  from  which  some 
of  them  had  come. 

Shortness  of  provisions  and  the  severity  of  the  climate 
caused  many  deaths  during  the  ensuing  winter,  and  for  a 
season  a  greater  number  left  the  colony  than  joined  it.  The 
following  year,  affairs  assumed  a  more  flourishing  aspect; 
and  Boston  was  visited  by  various  Indian  chiefs,  who  prom 
ised  peace  and  friendship. 

125.  In  1631,  the  General  Court  passed  a  law  that  no  man 


took  place?  What  places  were  founded  by  Endicott's  party?  124.  "What  judicious 
movement  was  made  the  next  year?  In  1C30,  how  many  arrived  ?  Who  was  elected 
governor?  What  places  were  founded?  Where  did  the  greater  part  settle?  [See  Map. 
—How  is  Boston  situated ?  In  what  direction  from  it  is  Cambridge?  Salem?  What 
river  flows  into  Massachusetts  Bay  just  north  of  Boston  ?]  What  was  the  state  of  affairs 
tbe  next  whiter?  What,  in  the  following  spring?  By  whom  was  Boston  visited? 


SETTLEMENTS   IN    EASTERN   MASSACHUSETTS. 


163l]  DIFFICULTY    WITH    ROGER    WILLIAMS.  85 

should  vote  who  was  not  a  member  of  some  church  in  the 
colony.  This  greatly  reduced  the  number  of  voters,  for  only 
a  fourth  of  the  adult  population  were  church-members.  The 
dissatisfaction  of  the  people  with  this  enactment  led  to  earn 
est  discussion  and  the  extension  of  popular  rights.  Winthrop 
was  governor  for  four  years,  during  which  the  colony  became 
firmly  established.  A  fort  was  built  at  Boston ;  mills  were 
introduced ;  a  coast  trade  with  Virginia  and  New  Amster 
dam  sprung  up ;  and  a  ferry  was  established  between  Boston 
and  Charlestown. 

126.  Though  the  Puritans  had  left  England  to  secure  reli 
gious  liberty,  they  were  unwilling  to  grant  it  to  others,  and 
required  every  one  by  law  to  attend  their  churches  and  con 
form  to  their  opinions.  Roger  Williams,  a  young  preacher 
who  had  come  over  in  1631  and  settled  at  Salem,  was  the 
first  to  teach  that  every  man  had  a  right  to  worship  God  as 
he  saw  fit,  and  that  bigotry,  whether  in  New  England  or  old 
England,  was  contrary  to  reason  and  the  Bible.  The  stern 
Puritan  leaders  did  not  relish  such  opposition  to  their  au 
thority.  Roger  Williams  was  censured  and  pronounced  un 
sound  in  judgment ;  and,  on  his  election  by  the  people  oi 
Salem  as  their  pastor,  a  tract  of  land  was  withheld  from  them 
by  the  Boston  council  by  way  of  punishing  their  contumacy. 
A  spirited  remonstrance  from  Williams  and  his  congregation 
followed ;  in  consequence  of  which  the  town  of  Salem  was 
disfranchised  by  the  next  General  Court.  Frightened  at 
these  measures,  the  supporters  of  Williams  at  last  submitted, 
and  their  minister  was  left  to  advocate  his  cause  alone.  To 
prevent  further  trouble,  the  Boston  authorities  ordered  that 
he  should  be  sent  bacK  to  England. 

Before  the  sentence  could  be  executed,  Williams  was  be 
yond  the  limits  of  the  colony,  determined  to  find  in  some 
other  part  of  the  new  world  that  freedom  which  was  denied 


125.  What  law  was  passed  by  the  General  Court  in  1031  ?    To  what  did  this  enactment 
lead  ?     How  long  was  Winthrop  governor?    What  was  done  during  his  administration  f 

126.  Wha'  disposition  did  the  Puritans  manifest  towards  those  of  different  religious 
Kpinions?    Towards  whom  was  this  feeling  first  exhibited  ?     What  did  Koger  Williams 
teach  ?    Give  the  history  of  the  successive  difficulties  to  which  his  dissemination  of  tuch 


86  SETTLEMENT   OF   RHODE   ISLAND.  [l636 

him  there.  For  fourteen  weeks  he  wandered  in  the  wilder 
ness,  amid  the  snows  of  a  severe  winter,  "  not  knowing  what 
bread  or  bed  did  mean".  At  last  he  reached  the  wigwams 
of  the  Wampanoags,  who  received  him  kindly ;  and  in  the 
summer  he  obtained  from  the  Narragan  setts  a  tract  of  land 
on  the  bay  called  by  their  name.  Here,  with  five  com 
panions,  he  commenced  a  settlement,  which  he  named  Provi 
dence  in  commemoration  of  the  divine  mercy.  Thus  origi 
nated  the  first  settlement  in  RHODE  ISLAND. 

Roger  Williams  was  soon  joined  by  friends  from  Salem 
and  Boston,  to  whom  he  freely  gave  portions  of  his  land 
The  settlement  rapidly  increased  in  strength  and  prosperity 
Perfect  freedom  prevailed,  and  the  will  of  the  people  was 
the  supreme  law. 

127.  In  1635,  3,000  immigrants  arrived  at  Boston,  among 
whom  was  Henry  Vane,  a  young  man  of  distinction,  who 
was  soon  elected  governor.  During  his  term  of  office,  the 
colony  was  again  troubled  by  religious  dissensions.  Ann 
Hutchinson,  who  hesitated  not  to  censure  the  Puritan  clergy 
and  to  teach  doctrines  even  more  objectionable  in  their  eyes 
than  those  of  Roger  Williams,  won  over  to  her  opinions  a 
number  of  the  settlers,  among  whom  was  Governor  Vane 
himself.  It  was  only  after  serious  difficulties  that  peace  was 
restored  by  Mrs.  Hutchinson's  banishment.  Many  of  her 
followers  left  the  colony  with  her  and  settled  on  Aquiday 
\ak'-we-da\  (the  isle  of  peace)  in  Narragansett  Bay,  [see 
Map,  p.  84],  whicn  they  bought  from  the  Indians  and  called 
the  Isle  of  Rhodes.  Vane  returned  to  England.  To  pre 
vent  similar  troubles  from  recurring  a  law  was  passed  in  the 
colony  forbidding  any  person  to  enter  it  without  a  permit 
from  the  magistrates. 


doctrines  led.  What  sentence  was  pronounced  upon  him  by  the  authorities?  How 
did  he  avoid  it?  For  fourteen  weeks  what  was  he  obliged  to  do  ?  By  whom  was  he 
received  ?  What  was  the  origin  of  the  first  settlement  in  Rhode  Island  ?  By  whom 
was  Williams  joined?  What  was  the  supreme  law  of  the  colony?  127.  In  1636,  how 
was  the  Massachusetts  Bay  colony  augmented  ?  During  Vane's  term  of  office  how 
and  by  whom  was  the  colony  troubled  ?  Who  was  numbered  among  Mrs.  Ilutchin- 
son's  converts  ?  What  became  of  Mrs.  Hutchinson  ?  [See  Map,  p.  84. — What  promon 
tory  is  north  of  the  Isle  of  Rhodes?]  What  law  was  soon  after  passed?  In  1639.  what 


163»] 


SETTLEMENT    OF    NEW    HAMPSHIRE. 


87 


BTONE  TOWER   AT   NEWPORT. 


In  1639,  Newport 
was  founded  on  the 
southern  part  of  the  | 
island,  near  an  old 
stone  tower.  This  cu 
rious  structure,  twen 
ty-four  feet  high,  was 
evidently  of  great  an 
tiquity,  but  the  In 
dians  could  give  no 
information  respect 
ing  its  origin. 

The  same  princi 
ples  that  prevailed  at 
Providence  were  car 
ried  out  in  the  Rhode  Island  col 
ony,  though  at  first  they  were 
independent  of  each  other.  It 
was  not  till  1644  that  they  received  a  charter  and  were 
united  under  the  name  of  the  Rhode  Island  and  Providence 
Plantations. 

128.  In  1622,  Sir  Ferdinand  Gorges  [gor'-jes]  and  John 
Mason  obtained  a  grant  of  land  extending  from  the  St.  Law 
rence  to  the  Kennebec  and  Merrimac,  and  named  the  tract 
Laconia.  Two  fishing  colonies  were  soon  established  at 
Portsmouth  and  Dover.  In  1629,  Exeter  was  founded,  and 
the  name  of  the  colony  wTas  changed  to  NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 
Trading-posts  were  established  at  various  points  on  the 
coast,  but  they  were  mostly  unimportant. 

129  In  1641,  the  feeble  settlements  of  New  Hampshire 
asked  to  be  received  into  the  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay. 
Their  request  was  granted,  and  the  union  continued  till  1680, 
when  they  were  separated  by  the  king  and  again  made  an 
independent  province  under  the  name  of  New  Hampshire. 

place  was  founded  ?  What  object  of  interest  is  near  it?  What  principles  prevailed  in 
the  colony  of  Rhode  Island  ?  When  and  under  what  name  were  the  Providence  and 
Rhode  Islam'  colonies  united?  12S.  Give  the  history  of  the  first  settlements  iu  New 
B»mpshire  129.  What  was  their  subsequent  history  ? 


88  SETTLEMENT    OF    CONNECTICUT.  [1614 

CHAPTER   VIII. 

SETTLEMENT    OF   CONNECTICUT. PEQUOD   WAR. 

130.  THE  Connecticut,  so  called   from  its  Indian   name, 
which  means   long  river,  was  discovered  in   1614  by  the 
Dutch.      They   established   a   trading-post   near   the   place 
where  Hartford  now  stands,  and  for  a  time  enjoyed  undis 
puted  possession  of  the  country.     At  length,  reports  of  the 
fruitfulness  and  beauty  of  this  inviting  region  reached  Eng 
land  ;  and  in  1630  it  was  granted  to  the  Earl  of  Warwick 
[inor'-riJc\,  who  transferred  it  to  Lord  Say-and-Seal  and  Lord 
Brooke.     In  their  honor  the  name  of  Saybrook  was  given  to 
a  fort  erected  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  in  1635.     [See  Map, 
p.  91.] 

131.  Meanwhile,  settlements  had  been  made  from  both  of 
the  Massachusetts  colonies.     The  Dutch  had  tried  to  prevent 
the  first  comers  from  sailing  up  the  Connecticut,  but  without 
success.     In  the  autumn  of  1635,  a  company  from  Massa 
chusetts  Bay  made  the  journey  by  land  ;  but  when  they  ar 
rived  the  river  was  frozen,  their  cattle  perished,  and  they 
were  reduced  to  the  greatest  extremities  for  food.     Another 
party  started  from  Boston  the  following  summer.     Travers 
ing  the  wilderness  with  the  aid  of  the  compass  and  driving 
their  cattle  before  them,  they  finally  reached  the  site  of  Hart 
ford,  and  settled  on  lands  bought  from  the  Indians. 

132.  Difficulties  with  the  natives  soon  arose.      The  Pe- 
quods,  a  warlike  tribe  east  of  the  Connecticut,  regarded  the 
whites  with  distrust ;  and  the  latter,  apprehensive  of  attack, 
only  waited  for  an  opportunity  to  inflict  such  vengeance 
on  the  savages  as  would  forever  prevent  their  aggressions. 

180.  When  and  by  whom  was  the  Connecticut  discovered  ?  What  is  the  meaning  of 
the  name?  Where  did  the  Dutch  settle?  Who  soon  heard  of  this  fruitful  region? 
To  whom  was  it  granted,  and  transferred?  Where  and  when  was  Saybrook  built? 
[See  Map,  p.  91.— On  which  side  of  the  Connecticut  is  Saybrook?  Near  what  other 
water  is  it?  On  which  bank  of  the  Connecticut  is  Hartford  ?  What  Indians  lived  just 
east  of  the  Connecticut?  What  tribe  lived  on  the  banks  of  the  Thames?]  181.  Whom 
did  the  Dutch  soon  find  settling  in  the  valley  of  the  Connecticut?  What  took  place  in 
1685?  What,  the  following  summer?  132.  With  whom  did  difficulties  arisa?  la 


1636]  THE    PEQUOD    WAR.  89 

This  opportunity  soon  occurred.  The  captain  of  a  trading 
vessel,  named  Oldharn,  was  murdered  without  provocation 
by  the  natives  of  Block  Island.  As  soon  as  the  news  reached 
Boston,  Endicott,  with  a  suitable  force,  set  out  to  avenge  the 
injury.  The  Indians  had  abandoned  the  island,  but  he  de 
stroyed  their  wigwams  and  crops.  Crossing  to  the  main 
land,  he  demanded  from  the  Pequods  damages  for  various 
injuries  sustained  at  their  hands,  and  some  of  their  children 
as  hostages.  These  being  refused,  he  laid  waste  part  of  their 
country.  The  flame  of  revenge  was  thus  kindled  in  the 
breasts  of  the  Pequods.  All  the  wiles  and  cruelties  of  In 
dian  warfare  were  now  experienced  on  the  frontier.  Soli 
tary  houses  were  attacked ;  stragglers  were  surprised  and 
scalped ;  men  were  shot  down  while  working  in  the  fields ; 
women  and  children  were  murdered  round  the  fireside. 
Messengers  were  sent  by  the  Pequods  to  the  neighboring 
tribes,  urging  them  to  unite  in  exterminating  the  Connecti 
cut  settlers. 

133.  Roger  Williams  learned  that  proposals  of  this  kind 
were  being  made  to  the  Narragansetts ;    and,  in  order  to 
save  some  of  those  very  men  who  had  banished  him  from 
Massachusetts,  he  resolved  to  defeat  the  plans  of  the  Pe 
quods.      Setting  out  alone  in  a  fearful  storm,  he  paddled 
many  a  weary  mile  to  the  Narragansett  village.     The  Pe- 
quod  ambassadors  were  there,  and  Williams  nearly  lost  his 
life  by  interfering ;   but  he  pleaded  his  cause  boldly,  and 
after  four  days'  hesitation  the  Narragansetts  refused  to  join 
the  Pequod  league. 

134.  On  the  1st  of  May,  1637,  the  authorities  of  Connec 
ticut  declared  war  against  the  Pequods  ;  and,  in  a  few  days, 
about  80  settlers,  and  60  Mohegans  under  the  friendly  Uncas, 
started  against  the  foe.    i  Captain  John  Mason,  who  had 
served  as  a  soldier  in  Flanders,  commanded  the  expedition  ; 

what  did  they  originate?  How  did  the  settlers  punish  the  Indians  for  the  murder  of 
Oldham?  What  followed  on  the  part  of  the  Pequods?  What  did- they  solicit  tho 
noi-ilihoriiig  nations  to  do?  133.  To  what  tribe  in  particular  did  the  Pequods  nppeal  ? 
Who  heard  of  this?  Tell  what  he  did  to  prevent  it,  and  the  result  134.  In  1637,  what 
was  done  by  the  authorities  of  Connecticut?  How  large  a  force  was  raised?  Who 
commanded  it?  Where  did  U%ey  first  sail,  and  for  what  purpose?  How  were  they  re- 


90  THE    PEQUOD    WAR.  [l63I 

and,  expecting  aid  from  the  Narragansetts,  he  sailed  direct 
ly  for  their  villages.  The  Narragansetts  received  him  as  a 
friend,  but  were  discouraged  from  accompanying  him  by  the 
smallness  of  his  force.  "Your  design  is  good,"  said  the 
chief,  "but  your  numbers  are  too  weak  to  brave  the  Pe- 
quods,  who  have  mighty  chieftains  and  are  skilful  in  battle." 

Though  disappointed,  Mason  resolved  to  carry  out  the  en 
terprise  alone.  (  The  Pequod  confederacy  consisted  of  26 
tribes,  numbering  over  2,000  menj  Their  principal  village? 
were  on  what  is  now  called  the  Thames  \tamez]  River  [se<i 
Map,  p.  91.]  When  they  saw  the  English  sail  past  on  their 
way  to  Narragansett  Bay,  they  supposed  that  the  attack  was 
given  up  through  fear,  and  uttered  cries  of  defiance  and  ex 
ultation  that  were  plainly  heard  by  their  enemies.  On  the 
26th  of  May,  just  before  sunrise,  Mason's  party,  who  had 
landed  a  little  east  of  their  village,  cautiously  approached 
the  huts  of  the  sleeping  savages.  An  Indian  dog  gave  the 
alarm  ;  and  the  Pequods,  though  thus  taken  by  surprise,  de 
fended  themselves  with  great  bravery.  The  battle  was  still 
doubtful,  when  Mason,  crying  "  We  must  burn  them !", 
threw  a  blazing  brand  among  the  mats  with  which  one  of 
the  wigwams  was  covered,  and  thus  decided  the  fortunes  of 
the  day.  The  English  and  their  red  allies  formed  a  circle 
round  the  burning  huts,  and  slew  their  enemies  without 
mercy  as  the  fire  drove  them  into  sight.  I  Six  hundred  Pe 
quods,  men,  women,  and  children,  perished  in  an  hour,  while 
but  two  of  the  English  were  lost. ) 

The  next  morning,  a  body  of  300  Pequods  arrived  from 
another  village ;  and,  though  they  fought  with  desperation 
on  seeing  the  destruction  of  their  homes  and  relatives,  they 
too  were  defeated.  The  remnants  of  the  tribe  were  driven 
from  place  to  place,  and  butchered  by  their  Indian  enemies 
as  well  as  by  the  English.  At  last  200  of  the  survivors  sur 
rendered  in  despair  to  the  English.  ^  They  were  either  sold 

eeived?  How  many  tribes  and  warriors  composed  the  Pequod  confederacy?  Where 
were  their  principal  villages?  [See  Map,  p.  91.— Where  is  the  Thames  River?  What 
place  is  near  its  mouth  ?]  What  did  they  suppose  when  the  English  sailed  past  ?  Give 
an  account  of  the  attack.  How  many  Pequods  and  how  many  English  were  lost? 


1637] 


NEW   HAVEN   FOUNDED. 


91 


into  slavery  or  incorporated  among  the  friendly  tribes ;  and 
the  name  of  Pequod  was  no  longer  heard.  ) 

135.  After  the  first  victory,  the  Karragansetts  had  joined 
the  English ;  but  the  latter  afterwards  made  a  poor  return 
to  their  chief  Mi-an-to-no'-moh  for  his  services.     A  war  hav 
ing  broken  out  between  the  Narragansetts  and  the  Mohe- 
gans,  Miautonomoh,  then  an  old  man,  was  captured.     "  Let 
him  be  delivered,"  said  the  ungrateful  men  of  Connecticut, 
"  to  his  old  enemy,  Uncas."     The  cruel  Mohegan  took  him 
to  a  solitary  place,  and  there  in  the  presence  of  two  of  the 
settlers  tomahawked  his  victim,  and  cutting  a  piece  of  quiver 
ing  flesh  from  his  shoul 
der  ate  it,  declaring  it 

the  most  delicious  mor 
sel  that  had  ever  passed 
his  lips. 

136.  In  1638,  the  col 
ony  of  New  Haven  was 
founded  by  John  Daven 
port,  Theodore    Eaton, 
and  their   followers,  on 
land  bought  from  the  In 
dians.    The  rights  of  vo 
ting  and  holding  office 
were  confined  to  church 
members,  and  the  Bible 
was  adopted  as  the  only 
basis  of  law  and  rule  of 
public  action. 


SETTLEMENTS   IN    CONNECTICUT. 


The  next  morning,  what  happened?  What  became  of  the  remainder  of  the  tribe? 
135.  What  course  did  the  Narragdnsetts  take  after  the  first  battle  ?  How  did  the  Eng 
lish  repay  their  chief?  Describe  the  death  of  Miantonomoh.  136.  By  whom  was  New 
Haven  founded?  [See  Map.— Near  what  water  is  New  Haven  ?  What  two  towns  be 
tween  it  and  the  Connecticut?]  "Whom  alone  did  the  colonists  allow  to  vote  and  hold 
: flice  ?  What  did  they  adopt  as  their  only  basis  of  law  ? 


/° 

(r  n  I 


92  FOUNDING    OF   MARYLAND.  [l609 

CHAPTER   IX. 

FOUNDING  OF  MARYLAND  AND  DELAWARE. 

137.  THE  territory  now  called  Maryland  was  included  in 
the  charter  granted  to  the  London  company  in  1609.    Wil 
liam  Claybome,  a  surveyor,  was  sent  out  to  make  a  map  of 
the  country,  and  was  allowed  a  patent  for  trading  with  the 
Indians. 

In  1632,  George  Calvert,  Lord  Baltimore,  obtained  from. 
King  James  a  charter  for  a  large  tract  on  the  Potomac,  which 
had  reverted  to  the  crown.  This  enterprising  man  had  ex 
pended  a  large  sum  without  success  in  an  attempt  to  plant 
a  colony  on  Newfoundland.  He  had  then  turned  his  atten 
tion  to  Virginia,  but  was  there  met  with  a  religious  test  in 
the  form  of  an  oath,  which,  as  a  Roman  Catholic,  he  could 
not  take. 

138.  As  truly  democratic  in  politics  as  he  was  liberal  in 
his  religious  views,  Lord  Baltimore  determined  to  provide 
an  asylum  where  men  of  all  creeds  might  enjoy  liberty  in  its 
perfection.     He  took   care  to  have  this  guarantied  in  his 
charter.    A  majority  of  the  freemen,  or  their  representatives, 
were  to  make  the  laws.     The  colony  was  to  be  entirely  free 
from  English  taxation,  and  from  all  interference  on  the  pan 
of  the  king.     Christianity  was  to  be  the  basis  of  the  laws, 
but  all  sects  were  to  be  treated  alike.  Lord  Baltimore  agreed 
to  pay  the  king  a  yearly  rent  of  two  Indian  arrows  and  one- 
fifth  of  whatever  gold  and  silver  he  should  find,  and  named 
his  new  territory  MARYLAND,  in  honor  of  Queen  Henrietta 
Maria. 

139.  Lord  Baltimore  did  not  live  to  plant  a  colony  under 
this  admirable  charter ;  but  his  son  Cecil  [sef-sil\  t  Calvert 
succeeded  to  his  rights,  and  sent  out  his  brother  Leonard 

187.  To  whom  was  the  territory  now  called  Maryland  originally  granted  ?  Who  was 
sent  out  to  make  a  map  of  it?  In  1632,  who  obtained  a  charter  for  a  tract  on  the  Po 
tomac?  Where  had  Lord  Baltimore  previously  tried  to  found  colonies?  188.  What 
was  his  character  ?  Mention  some  of  the  chief  provisions  of  his  charter?  What  rent 
was  he  to  pay  ?  What  did  he  name  this  tract,  and  from  whom  ?  139.  What  became  ol 


93 

with  about  200  emigrants,  mostly  Roman  Catholics  and  men 
of  standing.  They  entered  Chesapeake  Bay  early  in  1634, 
sailed  up  the  Potomac,  and,  having  bought  some  land  from 
the  Indians,  built  the  little  village  of  St.  Mary's. 

The  infant  colony  flourished,  as  it  deserved  to  do  by  the 
freedom  of  its  institutions  and  the  justice  with  which  its 
founders  treated  the  natives.  Its  sole  enemy  was  Clayborne, 
who  had  established  two  independent  trading-posts,  and  re 
fused  to  acknowledge  Lord  Baltimore's  authority.  A  colli 
sion  ensued,  which  resulted  in  the  defeat  of  Clayborne,  who 
fled  to  Virginia  and  was  thence  sent  to  England.  Assem 
blies  were  held,  which  enacted  various  wholesome  laws  in 
harmony  with  the  liberal  character  of  the  charter.  At  first 
every  freeman  had  the  right  to  attend  and  vote ;  but  when 
tliis  was  found  inconvenient,  the  Assembly  was  made  to  con 
sist  of  representatives  chosen  by  the  people. 

Peace  and  prosperity  reigned  till  1642,  when  a  short  In 
dian  war  occurred.  Hardly  had  it  terminated,  when  Clay- 
borne,  who  had  found  his  way  back  to  the  new  world,  ex 
cited  a  rebellion,  and  drove  Gov.  Calvert  from  the  province. 
In  1646,  Calvert  returned  with  troops  from  Virginia,  and 
suppressed  the  insurrection.  A  general  pardon  was  pro 
claimed,  and  order  was  restored. 

140.  Leonard  Calvert  died  in  1647.     During  the  troubles 
which  followed  the  execution  of  Charles  I.  in  England,  sev 
eral  governors  were  successively  appointed ;  and  for  a  time 
the  power  was  divided  between  two  opposing  sets  of  author 
ities,  Roman  Catholic  and  Protestant.     In  1660,  Philip  Cal 
vert  was  recognized  by  all  parties  as  governor.     The  popu 
lation  of  Maryland  at  this  time  is  estimated  at  10,000. 

141.  The  colony  of  DELAWARE  originated  in  the  desire  of 
Gustavus  [gus-tati -vus]  Adolphus,  the  greatest  of  Swedish 
kings,  to  advance  the  Protestant  religion,  and  the  interests 

Lord  Baltimore  ?  Who  succeeded  to  his  charter  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  first  settle 
ment.  Who  was  the  only  enemy  of  the  infant  colony?  What  became  of  Clayborue? 
What  was  done  by  the  early  Assemblies  ?  How  were  these  Assemblies  composed  ?  la 
1642,  what  happened?  Relate  the  history  of  Clayborne's  insurrection.  140.  When  did 
Leonard  Calvert  die  ?  Give  the  subsequent  history  of  the  colony  till  1660.  What  was 
It?  population  about  this  time  ?  141.  What  was  the  origin  of  Delaware  ?  What  pre- 


94  FOUNDING   OF    DELAWARE.  [l636 

of  his  nation  in  the  new  world.  A  charter  was  granted  to 
a  company  in  1626,  and  a  few  Swedes  came  over  the  follow 
ing  year.  A  war,  however,  arose,  which  engrossed  the  at 
tention  of  Gustavus,  and.  he  fell  on  the  field  of  Lutzen  \looif- 
zen\  without  carrying  his  scheme  into  execution.  Yet  it 
was  not  forgotten.  Through  the  efforts  of  the  wise  statesman 
Oxenstiern  [ox'-en-steern],  a  company  of  Swedes  and  Finns 
was  sent  over  in  1638,  under.  Peter  Min'-u-its,  who  had  pre 
viously  been  in  the  service  of  the  Dutch.  They  arrived  in 
Delaware  Bay,  bought  a  tract  from  the  natives,  to  which 
they  gave  the  name  of  New  Sweden,  and  built  Fort  Chris 
tiana,  near  the  present  site  of  Wilmington,  calling  it  in  honor 
of  the  young  queen  of  Sweden.  The  colony  nourished,  re 
inforcements  came  over,  and  another  settlement  was  made 
on  a  spot  now  embraced  in  the  suburbs  of  Philadelphia. 

142.  The  Dutch  looked  on  this  Swedish  colony  with  jeal 
ous  eyes.  Some  years  before  its  arrival,  a  body  of  men  had 
been  sent  out  from  New  Amsterdam  to  settle  this  region ; 
but  quarrels  arose,  and  the  whole  party  was  cut  off  by  In 
dians.  On  this  the  Dutch  founded  a  claim  to  the  country ; 
and  in  1651  they  built  a  fort  at  Newcastle  [new '-cas-sel\, 
within  five  miles  of  Christiana.  Resolved  to  prevent  such 
encroachments,  the  settlers  of  New  Sweden  attacked  and 
destroyed  the  fort.  In  revenge  for  this  injury,  Stuyvesant 
[sti'-ve-sant],  then  governor  of  New  Netherlands,  with  more 
than  600  men,  invaded  their  country,  subjected  it  to  Hoi 
land,  and  put  an  end  to  Swedish  power  in  America.  New 
Sweden  at  this  time  contained  about  700  colonists.  They 
remained  quietly  under  the  sway  of  the  Dutch,  and  with  the 
Dutch  in  1664  passed  under  the  dominion  of  the  English. 

vented  Gustavus  Adolphus  from  carrying  out  his  plans?  Who  did  carry  them  out? 
Give  an  account  of  the  first  settlement.  142.  How  did  the  Dutch  regard  the  Swedish 
colony  ?  What  grounds  had  they  for  claiming  this  region  ?  What  did  they  do  in  1651  T 
What  followed?  How  did  the  Dutch  revenge  themselves?  How  many  colonists  did 
New  Sweden  then  contain  ?  What  was  its  subsequent  history  ? 


I63l]  NEW    NETHEELAND&--UKDEB-M5NUITS.  95 


CHAPTER   X. 

NEW  NETHERLANDS,  FROM  1621  TO  1664. — FOUNDING  OF  NEW 
JERSEY. 

** 

143.  THE  Dutch  West  India  Company,  in  1621,  obtained 
from  the  government  of  Holland  a  grant  of  nearly  the  whole 
African  coast  and  all  the  countries  they  might  conquer  in 
America,  for  the  purposes  of  trade  and  colonization.     Of 
this  extensive  territory,  New  Netherlands,  embracing  the 
valley  of  the  Mauritius  [maw-mA'-^s]  River  (as  the  Hudson 
was  then  called),  seemed  the  most  important,  and  to  it  the 
company  gave  their  chief  attention. 

Peter  Minuits  was  the  first  governor.  He  came  over  in 
1625,  and  bought  the  whole  island  of  Manhattan  from  the 
Indians  for  $24.  Friendly  courtesies  were  interchanged 
wdth  the  Plymouth  Colony.  A  brisk  trade  in  furs  was  car 
ried  on,  and  the  capture  of  such  Spanish  vessels  as  approach 
ed  the  harbor  was  a  further  source  of  profit.  New  Amster 
dam  (such,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  then  the  name  of 
New  York)  grew  apace.  This  was  the  day  of  "  hunters  and 
traders,  otter  and  beaver  skins,  straw  roofs,  wooden  chim 
neys,  and  windmills".  The  Dutch  spread  out  over  Long 
Island,  Staten  Island,  and  New  Jersey.  Wherever  the  soil 
was  good  or  beaver  were  abundant,  thrifty  Hollanders  set 
tled,  buying  their  land  honorably  from  the  Indians  for 
knives,  beads,  or  wampum.  To  encourage  immigration, 
the  company  offered  every  man  who  in  four  years  would 
plant  a  colony  of  fifty  souls,  a  tract  sixteen  miles  in  length, 
of  which,  after  buying  the  right  of  the  Indians,  he  should  be 
"  patroon,"  or  lord.  Godyn  [go-dine'],  Van  Rensselaer  [van 
ren'-se-ler\  and  others  availed  themselves  of  this  offer. 

144.  Meanwhile  the  Indians,  excited  by  the  rum  obtained 

143.  In  1621,  what  extensive  grant  did  the  Dutch  West  India  Company  obtain? 
To  what  region  "did  they  give  the  most  attention  ?  Who  was  the  first  governor  ? 
What  did  he  pay  for  Manhattan  Island  ?  What  sources  of  profit  did  the  Dutch  find  f 
Describe  New  Amsterdam  at  this  time.  Wliere  did  the  Dutch  settlements  spread  f 
How  did  the  Dutch  obtain  their  lands  ?  How  did  the  company  encourage  immigra 
tion?  Who  availed  themselves  of  this  offer  ?  144.  Give  an  account  of  the  difficulties 


96  NEW    NETHERLANDS    UNDER   KIEFT.  [l64:O 

from  white  traders,  committed  various  trespasses,  which  the 
Dutch  in  turn  punished  severely.  This  roused  the  Indians 
to  vengeance,  and  in  1640  they  attacked  a  settlement  on 
Staten  Island.  The  next  year,  a  Hollander  was  killed  at 
Manhattan,  by  an  Indian  who  had  vowed  to  revenge  the 
murder  of  his  uncle  ten  years  before.  In  1642,  a  Hacken- 
eack  warrior  who  had  been  made  drunk  and  then  robbed 
by  the  colonists,  on  returning  to  a  sense  of  his  injury,  killed 
two  of  the  Dutch.  When  satisfaction  was  demanded,  the  - 
natives  offered  to  pay  200  fathoms  of  wampum,  but  refused 
to  give  up  the  guilty  party,  on  the  ground  that  the  Dutch 
had  themselves  provoked  the  act.  Just  at  this  time  a  band 
of  river  Indians,  driven  by  the  Mohawks,  took  refuge  on  the 
bank  of  the  Hudson  opposite  Manhattan,  and  solicited  the 
aid  of  the  Dutch.  Instead  of  granting  the  desired  assist 
ance,  Kieft  \keef t\,  who  was  then  governor,  sent  a  party  of 
his  countrymen  across  the  river  at  the  dead  of  night,  to 
butcher  the  helpless  and  unsuspecting  savages.  Mothers 
and  children,  old  and  sick,  shared  the  same  cruel  fate.  Such 
as  escaped  the  knife  were  driven  from  the  cliffs  and  perished 
in  the  freezing  river.  Nearly  a  hundred  fell  by  this  wicked 
attack. 

A  desperate  and  bloody  war  was  the  result.  The  Red 
Men  cried  for  vengeance  from  the  Jersey  shore  to  the  Con 
necticut,  and  many  a  pale-face  suffered  for  the  doings  of  that 
night.  The  Indians  drew  no  distinction  between  innocent 
and  guilty ;  and  among  other  victims  of  their  revenge  was 
Mrs.  Hutchinson,  who,  as  we  have  seen,  had  fled  from  the 
Massachusetts  Colony  and  found  refuge  in  Rhode  Island. 

In  this  war  several  powerful  tribes  united,  and  it  was 
feared  at  one  tune  that  every  Hollander  would  be  swept 
from  the  country.  But  Roger  Williams,  whose  great  influ 
ence  with  the  Indians  was  always  exerted  in  behalf  of  peace, 
succeeded  in  persuading  the  exasperated  warriors  to  bury 

vhich  arose  between  the  Dutch  and  the  Indians.  What  satisfaction  did  the  Indians 
offer?  Just  at  this  time  what  happened ?  How  was  the  request  of  the  river  Indians 
met  by  Kieft  and  his  countrymen  ?  What  ensued  ?  Who  perished  in  this  war  ?  What 
was  at  one  time  feared  ?  Who  succeeded  in  appeasing  the  Indians  for  a  time  ?  On  the 


1643]          NEW  NETHERLANDS   UNDER   STUTVESANT. 


97 


the  tomahawk.  The  war  was  afterwards  renewed  ;  and  the 
Dutch  escaped  utter  destruction  only  by  appointing  John 
Underbill,  who  had  won  renown  in  the  Pequod  war,  to  the 
command  of  their  forces.  His  courage  and  management 
were  linally  successful. 

145.  The  people  were  tired  of  Kieft,  whose  cruelty  had 
provoked  this  disastrous  war,  and  procured  his  recall.  Pe 
ter  Stuyvesant,  a  veteran  who  had  served  with  distinction 
in  the  West  Indies,  succeeded.  Stuyvesant  cultivated  the 
friendship  of  the  Indians,  settled  boundary  disputes,  granted 
the  colony  a  more  liberal  system  of  trade,  and  promoted  its 
interest  in  various  ways. 

Al  this  time,  the  island  on  which  the  great  city  of  New 
York  stands  was  occupied  mostly  by  farmers.  The  tract 
now  known  as  "  the  Park"  was  covered  with  a  forest,  in 
which  boys  gathered  chestnuts,  and  tanners  procured  their 
bark.  Land  was  very  cheap,  and  Stuyvesant  bought  for  a 
mere  trine  that  "  Bowerie"  beyond  the  town  from  which 
one  of  the  principal  streets  of  the  city  is  named.  A  wall 
was  run  across  the  island,  at  what  is  now  Wall-street,  to 
keep  oif  the  Indians.  Here  is  a  view  of  New  York,  as  it 
appeared  from  the  Bay  about  1650. 


146.  In  1655,  by  order  of  the  home  government,  Stuyve- 

renewal  of  the  war  whom  did  the  Dutch  make  their  leader?  What  was  the  result? 
145.  How  did  the  people  feel  towards  Kieft?  By  whom  was  he  superseded  ?  What 
measures  w<>re  taken  by  Stnyvesant?  Describe  Manhattan  Island  at  this  lime.  146. 

5 


98  NEW    NETHERLANDS   UNDER   STUYVESANT.          [l655 

sant  conquered  New  Sweden,  since  called  Delaware.  Dur« 
ing  his  absence,  sixty-four  canoes  full  of  Indians  appeared 
before  New  Amsterdam,  and  did  considerable  damage.  Hia 
return  restored  peace.  The  colony  from  time  to  time  re 
ceived  large  additions,  many  victims  of  persecution  in  differ 
ent  parts  of  Europe  seeking  it  as  a  home. 

147.  An  earnest  desire  for  greater  freedom  had  for  some 
years  shown  itself  in  the  people ;    but  Stuyvesant,  accus 
tomed  to  strict  military  discipline,  would  make  no  conces 
sions.     The  principles  of  liberty  continued  to  spread ;  and 
at  last  a  general  assembly  of  deputies  from  the  Dutch  vil 
lages  was  held  for  the  purpose  of  asserting  the  rights  of  the 
people.     Little  was  then  gained,  but  the  spirit  displayed  was 
not  to  be  mistaken. 

148.  The  English  had  long  coveted  the  flourishing  settle 
ment  on  Manhattan  Island;  and  in  1664,  Charles  II.,  who 
cared  little  for  the  rights  of  others,  granted  the  whole  tract 
from  the  Connecticut  to  the  Delaware  to  his  brother  James, 
Duke  of  York,  afterwards  James  II.     A  powerful  fleet  was 
fitted  out  to  take  possession  of  the  Dutch  settlements.    Stuy 
vesant,  however,  was  too  old  a  soldier  to  be  frightened ;  and 
had  he  been  supported  by  the  people,  he  would  have  made  a 
brave  and  perhaps  successful  defence.     But  the  colonists  re 
membered  how  their  recent  appeals  had  been  met ;  and, 
thinking  they  would  enjoy  greater  freedom  and  happiness 
under  English  rule,  they  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  Stuyvesant's 
stirring  appeals,   and  refused  to  fight.     Thus  left  without 
means  of  resistance,  the  brave  old  governor  had  to  surrender, 
and  all  the  possessions  of  the  Dutch  passed  without  blood 
shed  into  the  hands  of  the  English  (1664).     The  inhabitants 
were  not  disturbed,  and  even  Stuyvesant  himself  passed  the 
rest  of  his  days  under  the  sway  of  the  conquerors.      The 
name  of  the  colony,  as  well  as  that  of  the  settlement  on 

In  1655,  what  did- Stuyvesant  do?  What  happened  during  his  absence?  By  whom 
u-BS  tho  colony  sought  as  a  home?  147.  What  spirit  began  to  manifest  itself  in  tho 
people?  How  was  it  met  by  Stuyvesant?  Wliat  was  finally  done  by  the  Dutch  vil 
lages?  148.  How  had  the  English  felt  towards  the  Dutch  settlement  on  Manhattan  ? 
In  1664,  what  grant  was  made  by  Charles  II.  ?  What  steps  were  immediately  taken  ? 
How  did  Stuyvesant  endeavor  to  meet  them  ?  How  were  his  efforts  frustrated  ?  What 


1664]  FOUNDING    OF   NEW   JERSEY.  99 

Manhattan,  was  now  changed  to  NEW  YORK,  in  honor  of 
the  duke  to  whom  it  had  been  granted.  The  valley  of  the 
Hudson  quietly  submitted;  and  Fort  Orange  was  named 
Albany,  to  commemorate  the  duke's  Scottish  title.  All  the 
Atlantic  coast,  from  Maine  to  Georgia  inclusive,  was  now  in 
possession  of  the  English. 

149.  The  region  between  the  Hudson  and  the  Delaware 
was  made  over  by  the  Duke  of  York  to  Berkeley,  who  had 
been  governor  of  the  Isle  of  Jersey,  and  gave  the  name  of 
NEW  JERSEY  to  the  tract  thus  received.  With  the  view  of 
attracting  settlers,  freedom  of  worship  was  guarantied,  and 
the  right  of  taxation  was  confined  to  a  colonial  Assembly. 
In  consequence  of  these  advantages,  New  Jersey  became 
rapidly  peopled.  . 


CHAPTER    XI. 

VIRGINIA   FROM    1620   TO    1660. 

150.  SLAVERY  commenced  in  the  new  world  with  Spanish 
discoveries  and  conquests.  In  1495,  Columbus  sent  500  In 
dians  to  Spain,  where  they  were  publicly  sold.  In  1501, 
negro  slavery  was  recognized  by  law  in  the  Spanish  colonies, 
and  introduced  on  a  large  scale  into  the  West  Indies,  where 
the  natives  were  rapidly  perishing  under  the  tasks  imposed 
by  their  conquerors.  Sir  John  Hawkins,  an  English  adven 
turer,  engaged  in  the  traffic,  and  Queen  Elizabeth  shared  in 
the  profits.  Negro  slaves  were  first  brought  to  Virginia  in 
a  Dutch  man-of-war.  They  were  soon  after  introduced  into 
all  the  other  colonies.  The  price  of  a  negro  in  New  Am 
sterdam  ranged  between  $125  and  $150.  >. 

was  the  consequence?  How  did  the  English  treat  the  Dutch?  What  change  woa 
made  in  the  names  of  New  Netherlands,  New  Amsterdam,  and  Fort  Orange?  149.  To 
whom  was  the  tract  between  the  Hudson  and  the  Delaware  made  over  ?  What  name 
was  given  to  it,  and  from  what  circumstance?  How  was  it  sought  to  attract  settlers? 
What  was  the  result? 

150.  When  did  slavery  commence  in  the  new  world  ?  By  whom  and  when  were  In 
dian  slaves  introduced  in  Spain?  When  and  why  were  negroes  introduced  as  slaves 
in  the  West  Indies?  What  Englishman  engaged  in  the  traffic?  How  were  negro 
slayes  first  brought  to  Virginia?  At  what  price  were  they  sold  in  New  Amsterdam? 


100  VIRGINIA  FKOM    1620   TO    1660.  [l6»3 

/P 

(  151.  In  1622,  the  white  population  of  Virginia  amounted 
to  about  4,000.  English  settlements  had  been  planted  on  both 
sides  of  the  James  River  for  nearly  150  miles,  and  all  fear 
of  the  Indians  was  laid  aside.  Powhatan  was  dead,  and  his 
younger  brother  Opechancanough  [pp-e-cari -ca-no]  had  suc 
ceeded  to  his  power.  The  new  chief  was  far  from  sharing 
his  brother's  friendly  feelings  towards  the  whites  ;  and,  jeal 
ous  of  their  increasing  strength,  he  planned  a  general  rising 
among  the  Red  Men.  The  various  settlements  were  at 
tacked  at  the  same  time,  and  347  of  the  colonists  were  mas 
sacred  within  a  single  hour.  The  rest  were  saved  by  the 
warning  of  a  friendly  native^ 

War  followed.  The  Indians  were  driven  back  from  the 
river,  and  killed  in  ;great  numbers.  Yet  the  colony  suffered 
much  from  the  unexpected  blow.  Sickness  set  in  ;  many  of 
the  settlers  returned  to  Europe  ;  and  in  1624  there  were  only 
1,800  souls  in  the  colony  of  Virginia. 

152.  Meanwhile,  King  James,  offended  by  some  plain- 
spoken  members  of  the  London  company,  sent  over  commis 
sioners,  who  tried  to  frighten  the  colonists  into  surrendering 
their  charter.     In  this  they  did  not  succeed;  whereupon, 
with  the  aid  of  corrupt  judges,  the  king  dissolved  the  com 
pany. 

153.  In  1625,  James  I.  was  succeeded  by  his  son  Charles  I. 
This  king  confirmed  the  privileges  already  granted,  and  rec 
ognized  the  authority  of  the  Assembly,  in  the  hope  that  they 
would  consign  to  him  all  the  tobacco  raised  in  the  colony 
and  thus  give  him  a  monopoly  of  the  article.     But  the  As 
sembly,  while  it  was  glad  to  have  its  rights  confirmed,  de 
clined  the  king's  proposals.      Various  salutary  laws  were 
passed  about  this  time.     Profanity  and  drunkenness  were 
prohibited;   military  exercises  were  required;   emigration 
without  the  governor's  permission  was  forbidden ;  and  a  cer- 

151.  What  was  the  population  of  Virginia  In  1622?  How  far  had  the  English  settle 
ments  extended  ?  Who  was  now  chief  of  the  Powhatans  ?  How  did  he  feel  towards 
the  whites  ?  What  was  done  by  his  direction  ?  How  many  of  the  colonists  were  mas 
sacred  ?  What  was  the  result  of  the  war  that  followed  ?  In  1624,  how  many  colonists 
did  Virginia  contain  ?  152.  What  was  the  fate  of  the  London  company,  and  what  led  to 
it?  158.  In  1625,  who  became  king  of  England  ?  What  led  him  at  first  to  favor  tho 


i6*i]  BERKELEY'S  ADMINISTRATION."  101 

tain  part  of  the  soil  was  set  apart  for  the  cultivation  of  corn. 
The  Puritans  were  invited  from  the  less  genial  climate  of  the 
North,  and  some  accepted  the  invitation. 

154.  Sir  William  Berkeley  became  governor  in  1641,  and 
the  colony  continued  to  flourish.     During  the  struggle  be 
tween  the  Parliament  and  Charles  I.,  which  resulted  in  the 
execution  of  the  latter,  Virginia  adhered  to  the  king,  and, 
to  show  its  loyalty,  banished  those  wTho  would  not  use  the 
liturgy  of  the  English  Church. 

In  1644,  another  Indian  war  ravaged  the  frontier.  At  last 
Opechancanough,  the  untiring  enemy  of  the  colonists,  was 
made  prisoner,  and  the  power  of  the  Powhatans  was  de 
stroyed.  The  old  chief  died  from  a  wound  cruelly  inflicted 
after  his  capture.  The  Indians  obtained  peace  only  by  the 
surrender  of  large  tracts  of  land. 

155.  The  Parliament  and  Cromwell,  everywhere  triumph 
ant,  sent  over  a  strong  force  to  Virginia  in  1652,  to  establish 
their  authority.     The  colonists  agreed  to  recognize  it  on 
condition  of  not  being  disturbed.     Still  they  sympathized 
with  the  royal  party,  and,  on  the  restoration  of  Charles  II. 
to  his  father's  throne,  gladly  acknowledged  him  as  their  king. 
Gratitude,  however,  had  no  place  in  the  nature  of  Charles ; 
and,  when  he  was  firmly  seated  on  the  throne,  he  rewarded 
his   faithful   subjects  in  Virginia  by  encroaching  on  their 
rights  and  giving  his  profligate  favorites  large  tracts  of  their 
choicest  land. 


Assembly  ?  How  did  the  Assembly  meet  his  advances  ?  What  laws  were  passed  about 
this  time  ?  What  invitation  was  given  and  accepted  ?  154.  Who  became  governor  in 
1641  ?  What  side  did  Virginia  take  in  the  struggle  between  Charles  I.  and  his  Parlia 
ment?  What  took  place  in  1644?  How  was  this  war  terminated  ?  What  became  of 
the  Powhatan  chief?  155.  How  were  the  Virginians  compelled  to  recognize  the  au 
thority  of  Cromwell  ?  What  were  their  feelings  on  the  subject?  On  Charles  Second's 
retitoratlon,  what  did  they  do  ?  How  did  Charles  reward  the  Virginians  for  their  fidelity  ? 


102  ELIOT'S  PREACHING.  [ieo* 


CHAPTER   XII. 

ELIOT'S   PREACHING. UNION   OF   THE   NEW   ENGLAND 

COLONIES. 

X  156.  A  DESIRE  to  convert  the  Indians  to  Christianity  at 
tracted  many  good  men  to  America  during  the  seventeenth 
century.  Among  those  who  engaged  most  zealously  in  the 
work  was  John  Eliot.  He  was  born  in  England  in  1604, 
and,  emigrating  to  Massachusetts  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven, 
became  warmly  interested  in  the  natives.  After  some  efforts 
to  enlighten  them,  he  collected  as  many  as  he  could  at  Na'- 
tick  [see  Map,  p.  84],  and  there  established  an  Indian  school. 
Becoming  acquainted  with  their  language,  he  wrote  an  Al 
gonquin  grammar  and  translated  the  Scriptures  into  that 
tongue.  This  translation  was  printed  at  Cambridge  in  1663, 
and  was  the  first  Bible  ever  published  in  America. 

When  he  spoke  to  the  Red  Men  of  God,  he  found  that 
they  already  believed  in  a  Supreme  Being ;  his  other  doc 
trines  they  were  not  so  ready  to  receive.  They  asked  a 
thousand  perplexing  questions;  but,  though  his  teachings 
were  not  always  understood  or  believed,  yet  his  simplicity 
and  kindness  won  their  hearts.  In  the  children  he  found  his 
most  attentive  listeners.  One  Indian  youth,  we  are  told, 
having  seen  the  ceremony  of  baptism  performed  by  the  mis 
sionary,  persuaded  his  parents  to  unite  with  the  church,  and 
then  joined  it  himself,  declaring  that  he  was  ready  to  die. 
Shortly  after  he  was  attacked  by  consumption,  and  died  the 
death  of  a  Christian. 

Money  was  raised  in  England,  to  aid  Eliot  in  his  benevo 
lent  scheme.  He  was  of  service  to  the  Indians  in  various 
ways,  not  only  instructing  them  in  their  religious  duties,  but 
teaching  the  men  to  dig  and  the  women  to  spin.  His  heart 

156.  What  led  many  to  America  in  the  seventeenth  century?  Who  engaged  zealously 
In  this  work?  Give  some  account  of  his  early  efforts.  When  and  where  was  the  first 
Bible  printed  in  America  ?  In  what  language  ?  [See  Map,  p.  84.— Where  is  Natick  ? 
In  what  direction  from  Boston  ?]  How  did  the  Indians  receive  Eliot's  teachings?  Who 
were  his  most  attentive  listeners  ?  What  story  is  told  of  an  Indian  boy?  What  besides 


1634J  ARCHBISHOP    LAUD'S   COMMISSION.  103 

overflowed  with  kindness;  he  would  never  see  his  fellow- 
creatures  suffer  when  he  had  the  means  of  relieving  them. 
On  one  occasion  carrying  home  part  of  his  salary,  tied  up  in 
his  handkerchief,  he  called  by  the  way  on  a  destitute  family. 
Moved  by  their  distress,  he  tried  to  untie  his  handkerchief, 
that  he  might  give  them  some  money;  but  the  knot  resisted 
his  efforts,  and  he  handed  the  whole  to  the  mother  of  the 
family,  saying,  "  Take  it,  for  I  believe  the  Lord  designs  it  all 
for  you". 

Eliot  wrote  several  books,  in  one  of  which  he  expressed 
sentiments  so  liberal  that  he  was  censured  by  the  Boston 
court  and  required  to  take  them  back.  He  died  at  a  good 
old  age,  loved  by  all  who  knew  him. 

Others  besides  Eliot  took  up  the  good  work,  and  many  of 
the  Indians  learned  to  read  and  write.  One  of  their  num 
ber  even  took  a  college  degree.  But  these  advances  to 
wards  civilization  were  confined  to  the  tribes  on  the  eastern 
coast  of  Massachusetts.  The  Narragansetts,  as  well  as  the 
more  distant  nations,  refused  all  instruction  and  proudly  ad 
hered  to  the  faith  of  their  fathers. 

157.  Charles  I.,  whose  tyrannical  conduct  was  at  last  the 
cause  of  his  dethronement  and  execution,  strove  to  oppress 
the  New  England  colonies  equally  with  the  Puritans  at 
home.  In  1634,  he  empowered  a  commission,  consisting  of 
Archbishop  Laud  and  others,  to  revoke  charters,  inflict  pen 
alties,  and  establish  a  new  government  in  the  American 
plantations.  This  news  soon  reached  Boston,  and  with  it 
the  rumor  that  a  governor  appointed  by  the  crown  was 
on  his  way  to  Massachusetts.  A  council  was  called,  and 
it  was  resolved  that  the  colony  should  resist  as  far  as  it 
was  able.  In  1635,  the  Plymouth  company  surrendered 
their  patent  to  the  king ;  and  soon  afterwards  the  Massa- 


religious  truths  did  Eliot  teach  the  Indians  ?  What  instance  of  his  generosity  is  related  ? 
"What  kind  of  sentiments  did  Eliot  express  in  one  of  his  works?  Under  Eliot  and  his 
companions,  what  did  many  of  the  Indians  learn  to  do  ?  To  whom  were  these  advances 
confined  ?  How  was  it  with  the  Narragansetts  ?  157.  How  did  Charles  I.  treat  the 
New  England  Puritans?  What  power  did  he  give  to  Laud?  What  rumor  soon 
reached  Boston  ?  On  what  course  did  the  colonists  determine  ?  In  1635,  what  did  the 
Plymouth  comp&ny  do  ?  What  soon  after  happened  to  the  Massachusetts  Bay  com- 


104  UNION   OF   THE   NEW   ENGLAND   COLONIES.  [l638 

chusetts  Bay  company  was  deprived  of  its  privileges  by  pro 
cess  of  law. 

The  entire  control  of  both  the  Massachusetts  colonies  thus 
rented  with  the  crown  ;  and  measures  were  promptly  taken 
to  suppress  freedom  of  thought  and  action.  Puritans  were 
forbidden  to  emigrate  to  America  ;  and  it  is  said  that  thus 
the  king,  unfortunately  for  himself,  prevented  Cromwell, 
Hampden,  and  other  friends  of  liberty  from  leaving  Eng 
land.  The  colonists  would  no  doubt  have  been  cruelly  per 
secuted,  had  not  difficulties  soon  arisen  at  home  which  en 
grossed  the  king's  attention. 

158.  The  New  England  colonies,  having  the  same  origin, 
views,  and  interests,  began  about  this  time  to  feel  the  neces 
sity  of  union.     In  1643,  they  were  threatened  by  the  Indians 
on  one  side,  and  the  Dutch  and  French  on  the  other ;  and 
accordinglyyPlymouth,  Massachusetts  Bay,  Connecticut,  and 
New  Haven,  formed  a  league  offensive  and  defensive,  under 
the  name  of  "  the  United  Colonies  of  New  England".     At 
this  time,  they  contained  a  population  of  about  20,000,  scat 
tered  through  50  villages. 

Each  colony  retained  the  control  of  its  own  territory ;  but 
questions  of  war  and  peace,  and  all  matters  of  common  in 
terest,  were  decided  by  a  council  of  two  commissioners  from 
each.  In  case  of  war,  the  colonies  were  to  furnish  men  and 
money  in  proportion  to  their  population.  This  confederacy 
was  the  germ  of  the  American  Union.  It  was  of  great  ad 
vantage  to  the  colonies,  and  lasted  more  than  forty  years, 
till  the  New  England  charters  were  revoked  by  James  II. 

159.  The  people  of  Massachusetts  had  early  provided  for 
the  education  of  the  young.     A  sum  of  money  was  appro 
priated  bv  the  General  Court  for  the  establishment  of  a  school  * 
at  Cambridge ;  and  the  Rev.  John  Harvard  having  left  it 
nearly  $4,000  and  his  library,  it  was  made  a  university  and 
called  by  his  name.     Such  was  the  origin  of  Harvard  Uni- 

pany?  What  measures  were  now  taken  by  the  king?  What  prevented  him  from 
cruelly  persecuting  the  colonists?  158.  What  did  the  New  England  colonies  begin  to 
feel  necessary  ?  When  was  the  union  effected,  and  what  led  to  it  ?  What  was  the 
population  of  New  England  at  this  time?  What  were  the  terms  of  the  union?  Of 
What  was  it  the  germ  ?  How  long  did  it  last  ?  159.  For  what  had  the  people  of  Massa- 


1647]  DOMESTIC    LIFE   OF   THE    PURITANS.  105 

versity,  the  oldest  college  in  the  United  States.  Every 
township  of  fifty  householders  was  required  by  law  to  erect 
a  school-house  and  hire  a  teacher. 


CHAPTER    XIII 

DOMESTIC   LIFE,   CHARACTER,   AND   LAWS    OF   THE   PURITANS. 

160.  LET  us  glance  at  the  state  of  society  among  the  Pu 
ritans.     Their  condition,  of  course,  was  like  that  of  the  Eng 
lish  people  at  this  time.     Many  improvements  connected 
with  domestic  life  were  yet  unknown,  while  others  had  just 
been  introduced.     The  use  of  chimneys  was  becoming  com- 
mon,  though  opposed  by  some,  who  said  that  smoke  im 
proved  their  health   and   hardened  the  timbers   of  their 
houses.     Wooden  dishes  and  spoons  were  giving  way  to 
pewter  ones.     Houses  of  brick  and  stone  were  not  unfre- 
quent  in  the  old  country ;   but  in  America  boards  and  un 
hewn  logs  were  mostly  used  in  building.     A  poor  man  in 
England  received  but  half  what  he  now  gets  for  a  day's  la 
bor.     Rye,  barley,  and  oats,  were  the  common  food ;  and 
thousands  of  families  hardly  knew  the  taste  of  meat.     The 
condition  of  the  people  in  Massachusetts  was  considerably 
better  than  this.     After  the  first  few  years  of  scarcity,  ordi 
nary  industry  supplied  their  wants ;   and  they  lived  more 
comfortably  and  independently  than  the  same  class  in  the 
old  world. 

161.  The  Puritans  of  New  England  had  naturally  imbibed 
a  strong  aversion  to  the  manners  and  practices  of  those  who 
liad  persecuted  them.     They  were  opposed  to  veils,  wigs, 
and  long  hair,  condemned  silken  hoods  and  scarfs,  required 
women  to  restrict  the  size  of  their  sleeves,  and  discounte 
nanced  all  frivolous  fashions  in  dress.      They  disliked  the 

chusetts  early  made  provision  ?    What  was  the  origin  of  Harvard  University  ?    What 
was  the  law  relating  to  school-houses? 

160.  Give  an  account  of  the  condition  of  the  New  England  Puritans.    How  did  it  com 
pare  with  that  of  their  brethren  in  England  ?    161.  To  what  were  the  Puritans  ooposed  T 

6* 


106 


LAWS   OF   THE    PURITANS. 


[1650 


cross  in  the  British,  flag,  and  for 
bade  the  observance  of  Christ 
mas.     Comparing  themselves  to 
the  Israelites  of  old,  who   fled 
from  bondage  in   Egypt  to  an 
unknown  wilderness,  they  tried 
to  conform  to  the  laws  and  cus 
toms  of  the  chosen  people.    Like 
them,  they  commenced  their  Sab 
bath  on  Saturday  evening,  and 
observed  it  with  the  utmost  strict 
ness.    They  took  whole  sentences 
from  the  Bible  as  names  for  their  .- 
children,   or   called   them   after  | 
Scriptural  characters.      All  reli-  ^ 
gious  duties  were  zealously  at 
tended  to  ;  prayers  and  sermons 
were  but  little  esteemed  unless  1 
they  were  of  great  length ;  and 
children  and  servants  were  regu 
larly  catechised.    They  were  stiff  A  PTOITAN. 
and  formal,  but  at  the  same  tune 
industrious,  enterprising,  and  moral. 

162.  The  laws  of  the  Puritans  condemned  all  war  that 
was  not  defensive,  and  provided  penalties  for  gambling,  in 
temperance,  and  other  immoralities.     They  forbade  the  tak 
ing  of  interest  on  loaned  money,  and  punished  blasphemy 
and  idolatry  with  death.     Persecuted  Christians,  of  their 
own  faith,  who  sought  refuge  among  them,  were  supported 
for  a  time  at  the  public  expense ;   but  priests  and  Jesuits 
were  forbidden  to  set  foot  within  their  limits. 

163.  Quakers  shared  with  Roman  Catholics  the  hatred  of 
the  Puritans.     They  were  first  known  as  a  religious  body  in 


To  whom  did  they  compare  themselves  ?  In  what  respects  did  they  imitate  the  chosen 
people?  What  is  said  of  their  manners?  What,  of  their  attention  to  religious  duties? 
162.  What  did  the  laws  of  the  Puritans  condemn  and  forbid?  What  provision  waa 
made  for  persecuted  Puritans  who  sought  refuge  among  them  ?  How  was  it  with 
priests  and  Jesuits  ?  163.  To  what  other  sect  were  the  Puritans  opposed  ?  When  were 


1656]  PERSECUTION    OF    THE    QUAKERS.  107 

England  in  1644,  through  the  preaching  of  George  Fox. 
Averse  to  form,  the  Quakers  believed  that  God  communi 
cated  directly  with  the  spirits  of  men,  moving  them  accord 
ing  to  His  will.  They  would  neither  bear  arms  nor  take  an 
oath ;  they  condemned  pleasures,  forms,  and  show ;  they  de 
nounced  tyranny  and  abhorred  titles.  Anxious  to  propa 
gate  their  doctrines  and  ready  to  seal  their  opinions  with 
their  blood,  they  had  turned  their  eyes  to  America  as  a 
promising  field  for  effort. . 

164.  In  1656,  two  Quakeresses  arrived  at  Boston.     They 
were  immediately  arrested,  and  after  an  imprisonment  of 
five  weeks  expelled  from  the  colony.     Laws  were  passed, 
forbidding  under  heavy  penalties  the  introducing  or  harbor 
ing  of  Quakers  in  Massachusetts.     If  one  of  "  the  accursed 
sect"  was  found  within  the  colony,  he  was  to  lose  an  ear ;  if 
he  returned,  the  other  ear  was  forfeited ;  and  for  a  third 
offence  his  tongue  was  to  be  pierced  with  a  red-hot  iron. 

But  the  persecuted  Quakers  gloried  in  bearing  witness  to 
their  faith.  The  severer  the  laws  against  them,  the  more 
they  were  attracted  to  Boston.  Fines,  whippings,  and  tor 
tures  could  not  keep  them  away :  and  finally  the  authorities 
declared  that  all  Quakers  found  a  second  time  in  the  colony 
should  be  punished  with  death.  Three  men  and  one  woman 
suffered  on  the  scaffold  under  this  law,  declaring  that  they 
died  for  conscience'  sake.  Such  horror,  however,  was  ex 
cited  by  these  executions,  that  the  cruel  law  was  repealed. 
After  this,  Quakers  were  whipped  out  of  the  colony,  and  the 
excitement  gradually  died  a^a;^^^ 

165.  It  seems  strange  in  this  more  liberal  age  that  the 
Puritans  should  so  soon  have  forgotten  their  own  sufferings 
and  displayed  the  same  persecuting  spirit  from  which  they 
had  themselves  fled.     Their  only  excuse  is  to  be  found  in 
the  spirit  of  the  times.     Laws  for  the  punishment  of  heresy 

the  Quakers  first  known  in  England  ?  Through  whose  preaching?  What  did  the  Qua 
kers  believe  ?  What  did  they  condemn  ?  164.  In  165G,  who  arrived  at  Boston?  What 
was  done  to  them  ?  What  laws  were  passed  on  the  subject?  What  was  the  effect  of 
these  laws?  Finally  what  did  the  authorities  declare?  How  many  persons  suffered 
under  this  law  ?  What  feeling  was  excited  ?  What  was  the  result  ?  165.  What  excuse 
can  the  Puritans  plead  for  this  intolerance?  What  had  been  done  in  Spain?  In 


108  KING  PHILIP'S  WAR.  [IGGO 

existed  in  every  Christian  country.  In  Spain,  multitudes 
had  perished  at  the  stake  and  on  the  rack.  Under  Charles 
V.,  50,000  persons  had  been  burned,  hanged,  buried  alive, 
or  beheaded,  in  the  Netherlands.  Even  in  England,  num 
bers  had  suffered  under  Bloody  Mary  and  some  of  her  suc 
cessors.  The  Puritans  were  only  carrying  out  the  same  in 
tolerant  principles.  To  Roger  Williams  and  his  Providence 
Plantations,  to  Lord  Baltimore  and  his  happy  colony  on  the 
Chesapeake,  belongs  the  honor  of  first  rising  superior  to  the 
bigotry  of  their  age. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

KING   PHILIP'S   WAR. 

166.  UNLIKE  the  Virginians,  the  Puritans  of  New  Eng 
land,  during  the  long  struggle  between  Charles  I.  and  his 
Parliament,  sided  against  the  king ;  and  when  the  latter  was 
dethroned  and  Cromwell  assumed  the  government,  they  were 
treated  with  great  liberality  and  favor.     The  population  in 
creased;  commerce  extended;  the  fisheries  flourished;  and 
ship-building  and  other  trades  were  pursued  with  profit. 

167.  In  1658,  Cromwell  died;  and,  his  son  having  abdi 
cated,  Charles  II.  was  restored  to  the  throne  of  England 
in  1660.     The  first  vessel  that  left  for  the  colonies  after  this 
event  brought  over  Whalley  \whol'-le\  and  Goffe  \_gof\  two 
of  the  regicide  judges  who  had  condemned  Charles  I.,  now 
compelled  to  fly  from  the  vengeance  of  his  son.     They  were 
well  received  in  Boston  by  Gov.  Endicott.     The  next  year, 
an  order  came  for  their  arrest ;  but  the  authorities  allowed 
them  to  escape  to  Connecticut. 

Charles  II.  having  become  firmly  seated  on  the  throne, 

the  Netherlands?    In  England?    Who,  in  the  new  world,  first  rose  superior  to  the 
bigotry  of  their  age  ? 

166.  In  the  struggle  between  Charles  I.  and  Parliament,  which  side  did  the  New 
England  Puritans  take  ?  What  was  their  condition  during  Cromwell's  administration  ? 
16T.  What  took  place  in  1660?  Soon  after,  who  arrived  at  Boston?  How  were  they 
treated?  How  did  the  colonists  attempt  to  make  their  peace  with  tho  king?  With 


166*J  UAUBKS    OF    IKWTHilTY.  109 

the  colonists  were  obliged  to  acknowledge  his  authority. 
Commissioners  were  sent  to  England  by  the  people  of  Mas 
sachusetts  to  make  their  peace  with  the  king  for  having  sided 
against  his  father,  and  to  procure  from  him  a  confirmation  of 
their  charter.  The  king  complied  with  their  wishes  so  far 
as  to  confirm  the  charter,  and  grant  pardon  for  past  offences ; 
but  in  turn  required  the  Puritans  to  take  an  oath  of  alle 
giance,  to  tolerate  the  Church  of  England,  and  to  extend  the 
right  of  voting  to  those  who  were  not  church  members.  To 
these  demands  the  colonists  returned  an  evasive  answer  ;  and 
four  commissioners  were  sent  over  by  the  king,  whose  report 
might  have  led  him  to  punish  by  force  of  arms  the  indepen 
dent  spirit  of  New  England,  had  not  the  great  plague  and 
the  fire  of  London  called  off  his  attention.  At  this  time 
New  England  contained  120  villages  and  about  60,000  in 
habitants. 

^  168.  Scarcely  had  these  troubles  ended,  when  the  New 
England  colonies  became  involved  in  a  long  and  bloody  In 
dian  war.  It  is  known  as  King  Philip's  War,  and  broke 
out  in  1675.  The  faithful  Massassoit  had  died  some  years 
before,  leaving  two  sons,  Alexander  and  Philip.  Alexander 
succeeded  his  father,  but  shortly  afterwards  died  of  a  fever 
brought  on  by  mortification  at  being  arrested  and  impris 
oned  by  the  English.  His  death  left  Philip  chief  of  the  Wam- 
panoags,  who  now  numbered  about  700  warriors. 

The  English  settlements  having  extended  on  all  sides,  the 
Wampanoags  at  last  found  themselves  confined  to  two  small 
peninsulas.  They  had  sold  a  great  part  of  their  land,  and 
could  no  longer  enjoy  the  forest  freedom  which  was  neces 
sary  to  their  happiness.  They  now  began  to  understand  the 
meaning  of  those  mysterious  marks  which  they  had  made 
from  time  to  tune  on  deeds  conveying  their  possessions  away 
forever.  The  white  men  were  daily  increasing  in  number, 

.and  the  natives  became  alarmed  lest  they  should  be  driven 

what  ^access  did  the  commissioners  meet  ?  What  did  the  king  demand  in  tnrn  ?  What 
followed?  How  many  villages  and  inhabitants  did  New  England  now  contain?  168.  In 
1675,  what  broke  out  in  New  England  ?  Who  was  King  Philip  ?  How  had  he  become 
chief  of  the  Wampanoags?  How  large  was  this  tribe?  What  was  their  condition? 


110 

out  even  from  the  little  that  remained  to  them  of  the  land 
of  their  fathers. 

Several  unfortunate  occurrences  increased  the  suspicion 
and  hostility  of  the  natives.  In  1674,  a  chief  who  had  been 
required  for  some  offence  to  give  up  his  arms,  was  again 
summoned  to  Boston  for  examination.  Instead  of  obeying 
the  order,  he,  with  some  others,  killed  the  informer ;  arid 
the  murderers,  having  been  arrested  and  found  guilty,  were 
publicly  hanged.  The  Indians  immediately  revenged  them 
selves  by  attacking  Swanzey,  a  settlement  near  Mount  Hope, 
and  killing  eight  or  nine  of  the  inhabitants. 

169.  Philip  wept  when  he  heard  that  the  war  had  begun, 
nor  was  he  ever  afterwards  seen  to  smile.     He  felt  that  it 
must  result  in  the  destruction  of  his  tribe.     The  English  far 
outnumbered  the  Red  Men,  and  were  well  provided  with 
arms,  ammunition,  and  the  necessaries  of  life.     The  Indians, 
though  they  had  learned  the  use  of  fire-arms,  were  poorly 
supplied  with  them,  and  lacked  the  discipline  and  confidence 
of  their  enemies.     Yet  Philip  resolved  to  do  all  that  could 
be  done  by  a  great  warrior.     He  would  at  least  leave  his 
enemies  a  victory  wrhich  they  would  have  cause  to  mourn. 

Within  a  week  after  the  attack  on  Swanzey,  a  body  of 
troops  from  Boston  reached  the  vicinity.  The  Indians  were 
obliged  to  retreat.  Their  route  was  traced  by  burning- 
houses,  and  poles  fixed  in  the  earth  bearing  the  scalps  and 
heads  of  their  unfortunate  victims.  Great  consternation 
prevailed ;  but  volunteers  continued  to  take  the  field,  and 
the  Wampanoags  were  soon  driven  from  Mount  Hope  [see 
Map,  p.  84]. 

170.  Philip  was  now  a  fugitive,  but  he  was  more  terrible 
than  ever.     Moving  rapidly  among  the  neighboring  tribes, 
he  exhorted  them,  with  burning  eloquence,  to  join  the  com 
mon  cause  of  their  race.    His  appeals  were  successful.    From 

What  did  they  begin  to  fear?  What  occurrences  increased  their  suspicion  ?  What  waa 
the  first  act  of  hostility  committed  by  the  natives  ?  169.  What  were  Philip's  feelings  on 
hearing  of  this?  Why?  What  reasons  had  he  for  fearing  the  worst ?  What  did  he 
resolve  to  do  ?  "What  was  the  first  movement  of  the  colonists  ?  In  what  did  it  result  ? 
[See  Map,  p.  84. — Into  what  water  does  the  peninsula  on  which  Mount  Hope  lies,  pro 
tect  ?]  What  course  did  Philip  now  pursue  ?  What  tribe  joined  the  league  iu  violation 


16T5J 


THE   ATTACK   ON   HADLEY. 


Ill 


Maine  to  Connecticut,  the  whole  Indian  population,  with  a 
few  exceptions,  rose  to  this  sanguinary  war.  Even  the  Nar- 
ragansetts,  who  had  promised  to  remain  at  peace  with  the 
English,  finally  joined  the  league ; — their  chief  no  doubt  re 
membering  the  wrongs  of  his  father  Miantonomoh. 

The  whole  frontier  was 
thus  kept  in  constant 
alarm.  The  terrible  war- 
whoop  resounded  on  all 
sides,  and  no  one  could 
tell  when  he  was  safe 
from  the  prowling  sav 
age.  Brookfield,  Deer- 
field,  and  Springfield 
were  burned.  Hadley 
was  surprised  while  the 
people  were  at  church. 
A  panic  seized  the  inhab 
itants.  In  the  midst  of 
the  confusion,  when  the 
Indians  were  about  com 
mencing  their  bloody  work,  a  strange  being  bowed  down 
with  age  made  his  appearance,  recalled  the  people  to  their 
senses,  formed  them  in  line,  led  them  to  the  charge,  and 
completely  defeated  the  savage  assailants.  He  vanished  as 
suddenly  as  he  had  appeared,  and  for  some  time  the  people 
attributed  their  deliverance  to  an  angel.  It  was  afterwards 
found  that  this  mysterious  personage  was  no  other  than  Gofie, 
the  regicide,  who  had  been  a  general  in  Cromwell's  army. 
Seeing  the  danger  of  his  countrymen  from  his  place  of  con 
cealment,  he  had  come  forth  for  their  rescue. 
^rfVl.  The  colonists,  finding  vigorous  measures  necessary, 
determined  to  invade  the  country  of  the  Narragansetts.  A 

of  their  promise?  What  probably  incited  their  chief  to  do  so?  What  was  the  state  of 
the  whole  frontier  ?  What  places  were  burned  ?  [See  Map  above.— Which  of  theso 
places  was  furthest  east?  furthest  south?  furthest  north?  What  river  are  Springfield 
and  Deerfield  near  ?  Where  is  Hadley  ?  Near  what  mountain  ?  In  what  state  are  these 
places?!  Give  an  account  of  what  happened  at  Hadley.  Who  was  the  mysterious  por- 
171.  What  was  the  next  step  of  the  colonists  ?  How  many  men  were  raised? 


SETTLEMENTS   IN   WESTERN   MASSACHUSETTS. 


112  KING    PHILIP'S    WAR.  .[1675 

thousand  men  were  raised.  Josiah  Winslow  was  placed  at 
their  head ;  and  in  December,  1675,  the  expedition  was  com 
menced.  The  ground  was  covered  with  snow,  through  which 
the  invaders  painfully  forced  their  way.  They  found  the  en 
emy  strongly  intrenched  in  a  swamp  and  defended  by  pal 
isades.  As  they  approached,  a  destructive  fire  was  opened 
by  the  savages ;  but  the  place  of  those  who  fell  was  filled  by 
others,  and  after  a  severe  struggle  of  two  hours  the  fort  was 
taken.  The  victors  fired  the  cabins  of  the  Indians,  and  de 
stroyed  their  winter  stores.  Many  old  men,  women,  and 
children,  perished  in  the  flames.  A  thousand  warriors  fell, 
the  settlers  showing  as  little  mercy  as  they  had  received. 

The  power  of  the  Narragansetts  was  thus  utterly  broken. 
The  few  survivors  wandered  through  the  cedar-swamps,  with 
no  shelter  but  the  evergreens  and  no  food  save  the  ground 
nuts  which  they  dug  from  under  the  snow.  Still  the  proud 
chief  Ca-non'-chet  declared,  "  We  will  fight  to  the  last  man". 
The  following  April  (1676),  he  was  taken  captive;  but  his 
spirit  was  still  unsubdued.  When  interrogated  by  a  young 
man,  he  refused  to  answer  "  a  child",  but  said  he  would  talk 
with  a  chief.  On  being  told  that  death  awaited  him,  he  ex 
claimed,  "  I  like  it  well !  I  shall  die  before  I  speak  any  thing 
unworthy  of  myself." 

172.  In  February,  1676,  Philip  assailed  Lancaster.  Forty- 
two  persons  took  refuge  in  the  house  of  Mary  Rowlandson, 
who  describes  that  day  as  the  "  dolefulest"  she  ever  saw. 
Some  were  fighting  for  their  lives,  others  weltering  in  blood, 
the  house  on  fire,  and  the  savages  ready  to  massacre  those 
whom  the  flames  drove  forth  from  its  shelter.  Attempting 
to  escape,  Mrs.  Rowlandson  received  a  bullet  in  her  side,  and 
her  child  was  wounded  in  her  arms.  Gro'-ton,  Medfield, 
Weymouth,  and  Marlborough  [marl'-bur-o],  were  burned. 
Capt.  Wadsworth  \wods' -wurth~\,  on  his  way  to  relieve  Sud- 
bury,  was  surprised  and  lost  most  of  his  party.  Those  who 

Who  commanded  them  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  expedition.  How  many  Indians  wero 
killed  and  captured?  What  became  of  the  survivors?  What  stories  are  related  of 
Canonchet?  172.  What  place  did  Philip  attack  in  February,  1676?  Eelate  what  took 
place  there.  What  villages  were  next  burned?  What  befoll  Captain  Wadswortb  ? 


1676]  CAPTAIN    CHUKCH    TAKES    THE    FIELD.  113 

were  unfortunate  enough  to  be  taken,  were  cruelly  tortured, 
The  Indians,  says  the  quaint  Cotton  Math'-er,  deliberately 
roasted  their  prisoners  out  of  the  world. 

Philip  allowed  himself  no  rest.  He  was  everywhere  pres 
ent,  yet  seen  by  no  one.  Wherever  an  unprotected  village 
invited  attack,  wherever  a  well-planned  ambuscade  could  cut 
off  an  inexperienced  enemy,  there  at  the  right  moment  was 
the  watchful  chief.  It  became  necessary  to  trace  him  to  his 
secret  hiding-places.  Captain  Turner  started  in  his  pursuit, 
and  came  upon  him  at  the  Falls  of  the  Connecticut.  A  night 
attack  was  made,  and  most  of  the  Indian  braves  were  killed 
on  the  spot  or  driven  down  the  cataract. 

173.  The  New  Hampshire  tribes  having  abandoned  the 
war,  Philip  now  found  his  forces  reduced  to  a  feeble  rem 
nant.     Driven  from  place  to  place,  they  often  suffered  the 
greatest  extremities  for  food.     On  one  occasion,  300  of  his 
men  had  to  go  many  miles  to  the  coast,  to  sustain  life  on  the 
clams  it  afforded.     Still  the  brave  chief  kept  the  field.     He 
even  struck  dead  one  of  his  followers  for  proposing  peace. 

In  June,  1676,  a  strong  force,  raised  with  the  view  of  ex 
terminating  the  savage  foe,  was  placed  under  command  of 
the  celebrated  Captain  Church.  In  the  course  of  the  sum 
mer,  he  killed  and  captured  many  of  the  dispersed  Wampa- 
noags.  Among  others,  the  wife  and  child  of  Philip  were 
taken.  "  My  heart  breaks",  cried  the  chieftain ;  "  now  I 
am  ready  to  die  !"  The  child  alluded  to  was  a  boy  of  nine 
years,  the  last  of  the  family  of  Massassoit.  Forgetting  all 
they  owed  his  grandfather,  the  Puritans  sold  him  as  a  slave 
in  Bermuda. 

174.  The  condition  of  Philip  was  now  indeed  hopeless. 
Deserted,  betrayed,  hunted  down,  he  could  hope  for  relief 
only  in  death.     With  his  few  remaining  followers  he  took 
refuge  hi  a  swamp,  hi  the  broad  hunting-grounds  which  had 

How  were  the  prisoners  treated  ?  What  is  said  of  Philip's  movements  ?  What  did  it  bo- 
oome  necessary  to  do  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  night  attack  at  the  Falls  of  the  Connecti 
cut  178.  What  tribes  had  abandoned  the  war?  What  was  the  condition  of  Philip's 
men  ?  How  did  the  chief  feel  respecting  peace  ?  In  July,  1676,  what  steps  were  taken 
by  the  colonists?  During  the  summer,  what  did  Church  succeed  in  doing?  Who 
•.vcro  among  the  captives?  What  was  the  fate  of  Philip's  son?  174.  Where  did  the 


114  BACON'S  REBELLION.  [1670 

belonged  to  his  fathers.  Here,  while  trying  to  obtain  rest, 
he  was  disturbed  by  gloomy  dreams.  Impressed  with  a 
foreboding  of  evil,  he  bade  his  men  save  themselves  and 
leave  him  to  his  fate.  It  was  time.  Capt.  Church  was 
upon  him.  An  Englishman  aimed  at  the  chief,  but  his  mus 
ket  missed  fire,  and  a  friendly  Indian  in  the  company  seized 
the  moment  to  shoot  Philip  through  the  heart.  Church's 
army  raised  three  cheers,  and  treated  the  fallen  king  with 
savage  indignity.  His  body  was  quartered.  The  head  was 
cut  off  and  carried  to  Plymouth,  whence  it  was  borne  round 
the  colony  in  triumph.  The  Indian  who  killed  him  received 
one  of  his  hands  as  a  reward. 

Thus  ended  King  Philip's  war,  to  the  great  joy  of  the 
colonists.  It  had  cost  the  lives  of  some  of  their  best  men, 
and  destroyed  a  vast  amount  of  property,  including  six  hun 
dred  houses.  It  had  obliged  the  colonists  to  contract  a 
heavy  debt ;  but  this,  with  honest  pride,  they  determined  to 
discharge  without  aid  from  the  mother  country, 


CHAPTER    XV. 

BACON'S      REBELLION. 

/1 75.  THOUGH  the  Virginians  loved  liberty,  they  still  re 
tained  some  of  the  old  forms  and  customs  of  the  English 
aristocracy.  The  eldest  son  inherited  the  whole  of  his  fa 
ther's  estate ;  and,  as  the  influence  and  wealth  of  the  land 
owners  increased,  the  dividing  line  between  the  higher  and 
lower  classes  became  more  distinct.  The  Virginians  were 
mostly  royalists,  and  but  few  republicans  were  elected  to 
the  new  legislature  formed  after  the  restoration  of  Charles  II. 
The  loyal  colonists,  however,  were  not  treated  with  the 
favor  which  they  had  a  right  to  expect  from  the  home  gov- 

ohlef  and  his  few  followers  finally  take  refuge?  Describe  Philip's  death  scene.  How 
was  his  body  treated  ?  What  did  King  Philip's  war  cost  the  colonists  ?  What  resolu 
tion  did  they  form  respecting  the  debt  they  had  contracted  ? 

175.  What  were  still  retained  in  Virginia  ?    What  was  the  character  of  the  legislature 
formed  after  tho  Restoration  ?    How  were  the  loyal  colonists  treated  by  Parliament  1 


166l]  TROUBLES    IN    VIKGINIA.  115 

S~  \ 

ernment.     Parliament  soon  ordered  that  the  imports  and 
exports  of  the  colonies  should  be  carried  in  English  vessels 
alone,  and  that  their  chief  productions  should  be  shipped  / 
only  to  the  mother  country.     A  profitable  trade  which  had 
sprung  up  with  the  West  Indies  was  thus  entirely  cut  off. 

The  measures  of  their  own  legislature  were  hardly  less 
offensive  than  those  of  Parliament.  The  right  of  voting  was 
restricted  to  householders.  The  forms  of  the  English  Church 
were  enforced  on  all,  and  a  fine  of  £20  was  laid  on  those  who 
absented  themselves  from  public  worship.  A  special  law  was 
passed  against  Quakers;  and  Baptists  were  denounced  as 
"  filled  with  new-fangled  conceits  of  their  own  heretical  in 
vention".  The  members  of  this  legislature  had  been  elected 
for  two  years ;  but  they  continued  in  session  without  regard 
to  the  expiration  of  their  term,  and  fixed  their  own  salary  at 
250  pounds  of  tobacco  a  day.  No  public  improvements  were 
attempted.  Neither  roads  nor  bridges  were  constructed. 
Governor  Berkeley,  whom  the  long  possession  of  power  had 
made  a  tyrant,  expressed  the  common  sentiment  of  this  roy 
alist  legislature,  when  he  said,  "  I  thank  God  that  there  are 
no  free  schools  nor  printing,  and  I  hope  that  we  shall  not 
have  them  these  hundred  years". 

176.  With  such  a  government  the  people  were  justly  dis 
satisfied,  and,  to  add  to  their  troubles,  in  1675  an  Indian  war 
broke  out.  The  Susquehannas,  driven  from  their  abodes  by 
the  Senecas,  had  fallen  back  on  the  Potomac  and  commenced 
depredations  in  Maryland.  John  Washington,  great-grand 
father  of  the  first  president  of  the  United  States,  hastened  to 
the  aid  of  the  settlers.  The  Indians  sent  to  propose  peace ; 
but  their  ambassadors,  in  violation  of  law  and  justice,  were 
put  to  death.  The  savages  retaliated  by  devastating  the 
frontier  from  the  Potomac  to  the  James,  and  murdering 
without  mercy  all  who  fell  in  their  power. 

The  people  solicited  Gov.  Berkeley  to  take  measures  for  the 

What  measures  injurious  to  their  commercial  interests,  were  passed?  What  offensive 
laws  were  enacted  by  their  own  legislature?  How  did  this  royalist  legislature  and  the 
governor  fee1  towards  schools  and  printing-presses?  176.  What  added  to  the  troubles 
of  the  people  in  1675?  How  did  this  war  originate?  Who  hastened  to  the  aid  of  the 
Maryland  settlers?  What  unjust  act  was  committed  by  the  colonists?  How  did  the 


[l*76 

protection  of  their  lives  and  property ;  but  he  paid  no  atten 
tion  to  their  requests,  and  tne  work  of  death  went  on  un 
checked.  In  1676,  Nathaniel  Bacon,  who  had  but  recently 
arrived  from  England,  was  urged  by  the  people  to  lead  them 
against  the  enemy.  The  governor  would  not  commission 
him ;  but  Bacon,  moved  by  the  solicitations  of  his  friends, 
declared  that  if  he  heard  of  another  murder  he  would  take 
the  field  with  no  commission  but  his  sword.  He  was  shortly 
afterwards  informed  that  several  men  had  been  killed  on  his 
own  plantation.  The  brave  young  leader  no  longer  hes 
itated.  At  the  head  of  57  men,  he  defeated  the  Indians, 
and  then  turned  to  meet  the  tyrannical  Berkeley,  who  was 
already  marching  against  him.  So  strongly,  however,  did 
the  people  express  their  disapprobation  of  the  governor's 
course,  that  he  concluded  to  abandon  it.  Concessions  were 
made  by  Bacon, 'and  he  was  reinstated  in  his  former  position. 
The  old  legislature  was  dissolved,  and  a  new  one'  of  totally 
.different  principles  was  elected. 

^fl77.  Peace 'was  thus  restored,  but  only  for  a  short  time. 
Bacon  and  his  adherents  were  still  resolved  on  obtaining  the 
commission  which  Berkeley  had  promised  but  seemed  deter 
mined  to  withhold.  At  last  the  republican  leader  appeared 
before  Jamestown  with  nearly  500  followers,  and  obtained 
the  governor's  signature  by  force.  But  no  sooner  had  he 
marched  with  his  little  army  against  the  Indians,  than  Berke 
ley,  dissolving  the  legislature,  again  raised  his  standard,  and 
proclaimed  Bacon  $  rebel.  This  proceeding  gave  general 
offence.  Bacon  returned  and  appealed  to  the  Virginians  to 
overthrow  a  tyrannical  government.  The  people  rose  in  a 
body  to  support  their  leader,  and  Berkeley  was  compelled  to 
flee  beyond  the  Chesapeake. 

During  the  temporary  absence  of  Bacon  on  an  expedition 
against  the  Indians,  Berkeley  once  more  got  possession  of 

Indians  retaliate  ?  What  did  the  people  solicit  Gov.  Berkeley  to  do?  How  did  he  treat 
their  requests?  Whom  did  they  then  urge  to  lead  them  against  the  Indians?  What 
at  first  prevented  him  from  complying  with  their  request?  What  afterwards  led  him 
to  do  so?  Give  an  account  of  Bacon's  expedition  and  the  difficulties  to  which  it  led. 
How  was  peace  restored?  177.  What  new  difficulties  soon  after  arose?  Give  an  ac 
count  of  the  struggle  which  resulted  in  Berkeley's  expulsion  from  Jamestown.  During 


1670] 


DEATH    OF   BACON. 


117 


Jamestown,  but  was  a  second  time  driven  out.  To  prevent 
it  from  again  falling  into  his  hands,  Bacon,  before  retiring, 
burned  it  to  the  ground.  Several  of  the  patriots  applied  the 
torch  to  their  own  dwellings.  A  new  state-house  and  the 
oldest  church  in  the  Dominion  were  consumed  by  the  flames. 


THE   BUBNtNQ   OF  JAMESTOWN. 

The  people  of  Virginia  seemed  now  to  have  gained  the  ob 
ject  for  which  they  had  struggled, — a  liberal  and  efficient 
government, — when  their  worthy  leader  was  seized  with  an 
illness  which  put  an  end  at  once  to  his  life  and  their  hopes. 
Though  denounced  as  a  traitor  in  his  life-time  by  the  oppo 
nents  of  popular  rights,  Bacon  has  been  regarded  by  posterity 
as  a  true  friend  of  the  people,  a  fearless  champion  of  human 
ity,  justice,  and  liberty. 

178.  No  one  could  be  found  worthy  of  succeeding  Bacon 

Bacon's  absence,  what  advantage  was  gained  by  Berkeley?  On  his  return,  what  took 
place  ?  What  did  Bacon  and  his  adherents  do,  to  prevent  Jamestown  from  again  falling 
into  Berkeley's  hands?  What  buildings  were  destroyed?  What  did  the  Virginians 
now  seem  to  have  gained?  How  were  their  hopes  disappointed?  How  was  Bacon 
denounced  in  his  life-time?  How  is  he  regarded  by  posterity?  178.  What  became  of 


118  SETTLEMENT   OF   CAROLINA.  [l676 

as  the  leader  of  the  popular  party.  Berkeley  was  restored, 
and  with  his  return  began  a  series  of  fines,  confiscations, 
and  executions.  All  that  had  sided  with  "  the  rebels"  were 
cruelly  persecuted.  Hansford,  the  first  partisan  leader  that 
was  taken,  was  condemned  to  death.  The  vindictive  gover 
nor  refused  his  request  to  be  shot  like  a  soldier ;  and  he  was 
hanged — the  first  white  native  of  America  that  perished  by 
the  gibbet.  "  Take  notice,"  said  he  on  coming  to  the  gal 
lows,  "  I  die  a  loyal  subject  and  a  lover  of  my  country". 
Drummond,  another  republican,  was  soon  after  taken.  "  You 
are  very  welcome,"  said  Berkeley  on  beholding  him ;  "  I  am 
more  glad  to  see  you  than  any  man  in  Virginia.  You  shall 
be  hanged  in  half  an  hour."  Twenty-two  persons  were  exe 
cuted  before  the  vengeance  of  the  implacable  governor  was 
satiated.  The  Assembly  at  last  begged  him  to  abstain  from 
further  bloodshed,  and  he  reluctantly  yielded  to  their  re 
quest. 

Berkeley  soon  after  returned  to  England,  where  his  con 
duct  was  severely  censured.  "  The  old  fool,"  said  the  king, 
"  has  taken  away  more  lives  in  that  naked  country,  than  I 
for  the  murder  of  my  father." 

179.  The  avaricious  Culpepper  succeeded  as  governor  in 
1680.  He  enriched  himself  by  taxing  and  impoverishing  the 
colony.  The  king  after  a  time  recalled  him,  and,  annulling 
the  unjust  grants  he  had  himself  made  to  unworthy  favorites, 
declared  Virginia  once  more  a  royal  province. 


CHAPTER   XVI. 

SETTLEMENT     OF     CAEOLINA. 

1 80.  THE  region  called  CAROLINA  was  so  named  in  honor 
of  Charles  IX.,  of  France,  but  was  first  successfully  colonized 

the  popular  party  after  Bacon's  death  ?    How  did  the  vindictive  governor  treat  Hans- 
ford?   How,  Drummond?    How  many  were  executed  ?  Who  at  last  interfered  ?   What 
became  of  Berkeley  ?    What  did  the  king  say  about  him  ?    179.  Who  succeeded  os 
governor  ?    What  course  did  he  pursue  ?    What  did  the  king  soon  after  do  ? 
ISO.  From  whom  was  Carolina  so  called  ?    Under  whose  auspice*  was  it  first  Bottled? 


ices]  LOCKE'S  "GRAND  MODEL".  119 

under  the  auspices  of  Charles  II.  of  England.  In  16G3,  this 
monarch,  in  defiance  of  former  charters  and  the  counter 
claims  of  France  and  Spain,  bestowed  the  territory  in  ques 
tion  on  Edward  Clar'-en-don,  Lord  Al'-be-marle,  the  Earl  of 
Shaftesbury  [shafts' -ber-ry],  and'others. 

Clarendon  and  his  associates  contemplated  founding  a 
great  empire.  Shaftesbury  was  appointed  to  draw  up  a 
constitution.  He  called  to  his  aid  the  philosopher  Locke, 
who  constructed  a  "  Grand  Model",  which  gave  almost  un 
limited  power  to  a  body  of  nobles  and  entirely  overlooked 
the  rights  of  the  people.  This  CQn§tife«*ion  was  signed  in 
1670.  There  was  then  neither  church,  court-house,  nor 
printing-press,  in  Carolina.  But  it  was  the  land  of  peace 
and  plenty,  and  its  great  natural  advantages  had  already 
attracted  settlers.  Some  had  fixed  their  abodes  near  Albe- 
rnarle  Sound.  Others  had  purchased  a  tract  on  the  Cape 
Fear  River,  and  established  a  flourishing  trade  in  staves  and 
shingles.  The  intermediate  country  was  mostly  a  wilderness. 

Such  was  the  condition  of  Carolina,  when  Locke's  "  Grand 
Model"  of  a  constitution  arrived.  Nothing  could  have  been 
less  adapted  to  the  people.  There  was  no  room  for  a  grand 
series  of  lords  among  men  who  dressed  in  deer-skins  and 
homespun.  The  hardy  people  of  Carolina,  "  the  freest  of  the 
free",  had  learned  to  govern  themselves,  and  every  effort  to 
enforce  the  new  constitution  utterly  failed. 

181.  The  same  year  in  which  this  instrument  was  signed, 
a  company  of  emigrants  sailed  for  Carolina  under  William 
Sayle  [sale],  and  landed  near  the  mouth  of  the  Ashley  River. 
Though  they  established  a  republican  government  and  rep 
resentative  Assembly,  they  tried  to  carry  out  Locke's  absurd 
constitution,  but  found  it  impossible.  As  they  were  at  some 
distance  from  the  Albemarle  and  Cape  Fear  settlements,  they 
thought  it  best  to  form  an  entirely  distinct  government ;  and 

On  whom  did  Charles  II.  bestow  the  territory  in  question  ?  What  did  Clarendon  and 
1  is  associates  contemplate?  Who  was  appointed  to  draw  up  a  constitution?  Whom 
did  he  summon  to  his  aid  ?  What  was  the  instrument  thus  constructed  called  ?  What 
was  its  character  ?  When  was  it  signed  ?  What  was  the  state  of  things  in  Carolina  at 
this  time?  Where  had  settlements  been  made?  What  was  the  result  of  the  efforts 
made  to  enforce  Locke's  "  Grand  Model"  ?  Why  was  this?  181.  What  took  place  tho 


120  SETTLEMENT   OF   CAROLINA.  [l670 

hence  the  division  into  NORTH  and  SOUTH  CAROLINA.  The 
Indians,  influenced  by  the  Spaniards  of  Florida,  displayed 
an  unfriendly  disposition  ;  and  the  new  colonists,  when  gath 
ering  oysters  on  the  coast,  or  engaged  in  other  work,  carried 
guns  for  their  protection.  • 

In  1672,  a  few  graziers  erected  their  cabins  on  the  spot 
where  Charleston  now  stands  [see  Map,  p.  151],  and  eight 
years  later  the  town  was  formally  founded.  The  surround 
ing  country  was  a  paradise.  The  river's  banks  were  lined 
with  stately  pines,  up  which  the  yellow  jasmine  climbed, 
loading  the  air  with  the  perfume  of  its  flowers.  Immigrants 
arrived  from  the  northern  colonies  as  well  as  England,  and 
among  the  rest  fifty  families  sent  over  by  Charles  II.  to  in 
troduce  the  culture  of  grapes,  almonds,  olives,  and  the  silk 
worm.  The  attempt  failed,  but  a  valuable  addition  in  the 
form  of  thrifty  and  industrious  laborers  was  thus  made  to 
the  colony.  The  population  was  further  increased  in  1685 
by  the  arrival  of  many  Hu'-gue-nots,  or  French  Protestants, 
driven  from  their  country  by  persecution,  among  the  descend 
ants  of  whom  were  some  of  the  bravest  heroes  of  the  Rev 
olution. 

182.  The  same  fondness  for  self-government  that  prevailed 
in  North  Carolina  was  also  rife  in  the  Southern  colony ;  and 
Governor  Col'-le-ton,  sent  over  by  the  proprietors  with  en 
larged  powers  to  awe  the  people  into  submission,  was  met 
with  open  resistance.  The  Assembly  boldly  asserted  its 
rights,  defied  the  governor,  and  imprisoned  his  secretary. 
In  vain  he  called  out  the  militia;  the  people  triumphed. 
When  the  news  of  the  revolution  which  placed  William  and 
Mary  on  the  throne  of  England  was  received,  Colleton  was 
banished  from  the  province.  Similar  measures  were  taken 


same  year  In  which  the  new  constitution  was  signed  ?  Why  was  the  territory  divided 
iuto  North  and  South  Carolina.?  What  feelings  did  the  Indians  display  towards  tho 
settlers?  Give  an  account  of  the  founding  of  Charleston.  Describe  the  surrounding 
country.  With  what  view  did  Charles  II.  send  over  fifty  families?  What  was  the  re 
sult?  How  was  the  population  increased  in  1685?  182.  What  spirit  was  soon  mani 
fested  In  South  Carolina  ?  Give  an  account  of  Gov.  Colleton's  difficulties  with  the 
Assembly.  Where  were  similar  measures  taken  ?  What  was  the  state  of  things  in  both 
colonies  in  1680? 


1689]  EARLY    LIFE    OF    WILLIAM    PENN.  121 

in  North  Carolina;  and  in  1689  we  find  the  cause  of  popular 
rights  triumphant  in  both  colonies,  and  in  both  the  prospect 
of  a  highly  prosperous  future. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

SETTLEMENT    OF    PENNSYLVANIA. 

183.  CRUELLY  persecuted  in  New  England  and  the  mother 
country,  a  number  of  Quakers  in  1675  took  refuge  in  New 
Jersey.     Within  a  year,  one  of  the  proprietors  sold  out  his 
interest  to  several  persons,  among  whom  was  William  Penn. 
Longing  to  provide  a  happy  home  for  the  people  of  his 
creed,  Penii  resolved  to  try  his  "  holy  experiment"  on  a 
larger  scale.     In  1681,  he  obtained  from  Charles  II.  an  ex 
tensive  tract  west  of  the  Delaware,  in  payment  of  a  claim 
against  the  government  for  £16,000,  left  him  by  his  father. 
The  king  himself  gave  it  the  name  of  Pennsylvania,  "  the 
woody  land  of  Penn". 

1 84.  This  eminent  man  was  a  son  of  Admiral  Penn,  who 
had  won  distinction  by  his  conquest  of  Jamaica  and  brilliant 
achievements  during  the  war  with  Holland.     He  was  born 
in  1644,  and  at  the  age  of  sixteen  was  expelled  from  Oxford 
University  for  embracing  the  doctrines  of  the  Quakers.     In 
censed  at  his  expulsion,  his  father  beat  him  and  turned  him 
out  of  doors,  but  afterwards  sent  him  to  travel  on  the  conti 
nent,  in  the  hope  that  his  opinions  would  be  changed  by 
intercourse  with  the  world.     On  his  return  to  England,  he 
commenced  the  study  of 'law;  but,  on  again  listening  to  a 
Quaker  preacher,  he  became  so  firm  a  convert  that  all  his 
father's  reproaches,  and  even  a  second  expulsion  from  home, 
could  not  turn  him  from  his  faith. 

The  young  Quaker  was  several  times  imprisoned  for  plead- 

188.  Where  did  a  number  of  Quakers  settle  in  1675?  How  did  William  Penn  be 
come  interested  in  this  colony?  What  did  he  resolve  to  do?  How  did  he  obtain  an 
extensive  tract  on  the  Delaware?  What  and  by  whom  was  it  named?  184.  Who  was 
William  Peiin  ?  Recount  his  early  history.  For  what  was  he  se/eral  times  imprte- 

6 


122  SETTLEMENT    OF    PENNSYLVANIA.  [l66U 

ing  the  cause  of  liis  brethren.  Once,  while  he  was  undergo 
ing  this  punishment,  the  learned  Stillingfleet  was  sent  to  con 
vince  him  of  his  errors  ;  but  Penn  requested  him  to  tell  the 
king  that  "  the  Tower  (the  building  in  which  he  was  con 
fined)  was  to  him.  the  worst  argument  in  the  world".  Oil 
one  occasion,  a  jury  was  starved  two  days-  and  nights,  to 
force  them  to  convict  him,  but  insisted  on  returning  a  ver 
dict  of  acquittal,  for  which  they  were  fined.  At  last,  weary 
of  persecution,  Penn,  with  several  others  of  his  persuasion, 
embarked  for  Holland,  that  they  might  extend  their  doc 
trines  on  the  continent.  On  this  mission,  Penn  made  the 
tour  of  Germany,  preaching  in  palace  and  cottage.  Return 
ing  to  England  and  finding  all  other  efforts  in  behalf  of  his 
oppressed  brethren  useless,  he  became  interested  hi  the  new 
world  in  the  way  that  we  have  seen. 

185.  Within  the  domain  granted  to  Penn  a  number  of 
Swedes  and  Dutch  had  already  settled.  These  he  had  no 
desire  to  remove ;  and,  soon  after  obtaining  the  grant,  he 
sent  over  a  copy  of  it  with  a  message  to  the  residents  that 
he  wished  not  to  usurp  their  rights,  but  intended  that  they 
should  still  be  governed  by  laws  of  their  own  making. 
Three  vessels  full  of  emigrants  soon  after  set  sail,  with  in 
structions  for  building  a  city.  Each  house  was  to  have  a 
large  garden  attached,  so  that  it  might  be  "  a  greene  coun 
try  town". 

In  1682,  Penn  himself  sailed  for  the  new  world  with  a 
hundred  settlers.  He  had  a  long  and  melancholy  voyage 
of  nine  weeks,  during  which  thirty  of  his  companions  died 
of  small-pox.  He  was  warmly  welcomed  on  his  arrival,  and, 
sailing  up  the  Delaware,  soon  reached  a  place  fringed  with 
pine  trees,  where  he  determined  to  locate  his  city.  The  pre 
cise  spot  was  fixed  in  February,  1683.  The  ground  was 

oned?  Give  an  account  of  his  interview  with  Stillingfleet  How  was  a  jury  that  tried 
him  once  treated  ?  What  did  persecution  at  last  drive  him  to  do  ?  What  was  his  ob 
ject  on  this  mission  ?  185.  Who  had  already  settled  within  the  domain  granted  to 
Penn  ?  What  message  did  he  send  them  ?  How  many  vessels  sailed  soon  after  ? 
What  Instructions  were  given  to  the  emigrants?  What  took  place  in  1682?  Describe 
Ponn's  voyage.  Give  an  account  of  the  founding  of  Philadelphia.  What  does  the  name 
mean  ?  From  whom  was  the  ground  bought  ?  Where  did  Penn  make  a  treaty  with 


less]          PENN'S  TREATY  WITH  THE  INDIANS. 


123 


bought  from  the  Swedes,  and  the  city  thus  commenced  was 
named  Philadelphia,  brotherly  love^  in  token  of  the  feeling 
which,  it  was  hoped,  would  prevail  among  the  inhabitants. 

186.  Penn  soon  af 
terwards  made  a  me 
morable  treaty  with 
the  Indians,  under 
an  elm  in  what  is 
now  called  Kensing 
ton.  The  tree  was 
carefully  preserved 
till  1810,  when  it  was 
blown  down  during 
a  severe  storm.  A 
monument  has  since 
been  erected  to  mark 
the  spot. 

Here,  beside  the 
Delaware,  the  grave 
chieftains  of  the 

woods  assemble.  The  old  men  take  their  seats  in  the  form 
of  a  half  moon  on  the  ground,  while  the  younger  warriors 
arrange  themselves  behind  in  a  similar  form.  The  new  gov 
ernor,  whose  friendly  messages  and  letters  have  inspired 
them  with  confidence,  comes  in  the  central  space  before 
them,  distinguished  from  his  companions  only  by  the  blue 
sash  around  his  waist.  "  We  meet,"  he  says,  "  on  the  broad 
pathway  of  truth  and  good  will.  No  advantage  shall  be 
taken  on  either  side,  but  all  shall  be  openness  and  love.  I 
will  not  call  you  children,  for  parents  do  sometimes  chide 
their  children  too  severely ;  nor  brothers  only,  for  brothers 
differ.  The  friendship  between  me  and  you  I  will  not  com 
pare  to  a  chain,  for  that  the  rains  might  rust  or  the  falling 
tree  might  break.  We  are  the  same  as  if  one  man's  body 
were  divided  into  two  parts.  We  are  all  one  flesh  and  one 
blood." 


the  Indians  ?    When  was  this  elin  blown  clown  ?    How  is  the  spot  marked  ?    Describe 
Peim's  meeting  with  the  Indians.    What  did  he  tell  them?    What  reply  did  they 


124  S^T^L^kENT   OF   PEJWSlffiYANIA.  Fl683 

7 
The  Indians  trusted  his  words,  and'  received  his  presents, 

giving  him  in  return  a  belt  of  wampum,  the  emblem  of 
friendship.  "  We  will  live,"  said  they,  "  with  William  Penn 
and  his  children  in  love  so  long  as  the  moon  and  the  sun 
shall  endure."  This  treaty  was  never  broken.  The  Red 
Men  handed  down  the  words  of  Penn  from  generation  to 
generation ;  and,  while  other  white  settlements  suffered  se 
verely  from  Indian  wars,  not  a  single  Quaker  is  known  to 
have  been  molested  by  the  natives.  Penn  often  visited  their 
wigwams,  and  took  part  in  their  sports  and  exercises. 

187.  The  only  difficulty  that  disturbed  the  peace  of  Penn 
sylvania  was  the  settlement  of  the  line  that  separated  it  from 
Maryland.     Penn  and  Baltimore  could  not  agree  on  a  boun 
dary.     The  quarrel  was  carried  to  England,  and  there  set 
tled  by  a  grant  of  half  the  land  between  Chesapeake  Bay 
and  the  Delaware  to  Penn.      The  present  boundary  was 
fixed  by  two  surveyors,  Mason  and  Dixon,  in  1761,  and  is 
often  referred  to  as  Mason  and  Dixon's  line.     The  territory 
now  called  Delaware  was  thus  at  first  included  in  Pennsyl 
vania,  under  the  name  of  "  the  three  lower  counties" ;  but 
afterwards,  in  consequence  of  the  dissatisfaction  of  the  peo 
ple,  it  was  made  a  separate  colony. 

188.  The  government  established  by  Penn  was  strictly  re 
publican.     An  Assembly  was  formed  of  six  members  from 
each  county,  who  held  office  for  a  year.     All  sects  were  tol 
erated.     Every  freeman  who  believed  in  God  and  abstained 
from  labor  on  the  Lord's  day,  could  vote  and  hold  office 
Parents  were  required  to  bring  up  their  children  to  some 
useful  trade.     The  only  crime  punishable  with  death  was 
murder. 

Emigrants  arrived  in  great  numbers  from  Holland,  Ger 
many,  and  Great  Britain.  The  peaceful  colony  grew  and 
prospered.  In  August,  1683,  Philadelphia  consisted  of  three 


make?  How  did  the  Indians  show  their  regard  for  it?  How  did  Penn  display  his 
friendship  for  them  ?  187.  What  difficulty  disturbed  the  peace  of  Pennsylvania  ?  How 
was  the  quarrel  settled  ?  What  is  meant  by  Mason  and  Dixon's  line  ?  What  is  said  of 
the  territory  now  called  Delaware  ?  188.  What  was  the  character  of  Penu's  govern 
ment  ?  Mention  some  of  its  provisions.  From  what  countries  did  emigrants  arrive  ? 


2  </< 

1683J  CLOSE    OF    PENN's    CAREER.  125 

or  four  cottages,  and  the  deer  ran  among  the  trees  on  which 
the  surveyor  had  "  blazed  out"  the  courses  of  the  streets. 
In  1685,  it  contained  600  houses.  It  grew  more  in  three 
years  than  New  York  did  in  half  a  century. 

In  1684,  Penn  left  his  colony,  now  firmly  established  and 
containing  a  population  of  7,000,  for  the  mother  country. 
During  his  absence  difficulties  arose.  The  Assembly  en 
croached  on  his  rights  ;  and  the  rents,  which  were  his  only 
remuneration  for  the  expense  of  planting  the  colony,  were 
appropriated  in  part  to  the  public  service.  After  trying  for 
a  time  to  enforce  his  authority,  Penn  yielded  to  the  Assem 
bly,  reserving  to  himself  only  the  right  of  veto. 

189.  With  the  fall  of  James  II.,  who  both  as  Duke  of 
York  and  as  king  had  been  a  firm  friend  to  Penn,  ended  the 
favor  which  the  pure  and  peaceful  Quaker  had  enjoyed.  He 
was  charged  with  abandoning  his  principles  and  favoring  the 
cause  of  the  deposed  king.  His  proprietary  rights  in  Penn 
sylvania  were  taken  from  him  ;  and,  while  the  colony  which 
owed  every  thing  to  his  wisdom  and  integrity  was  growing 
in  power  and  importance,  he  closed  his  life  in  obscurity  and 
gloom.  He  died  encumbered  with  debt  in  1718  ;  at  which 
time,  the  population  of  Philadelphia  amounted  to  about 
10,000. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

I]SDIAN   HISTORY. — JESUIT   MISSIONARIES. 

190.  THE  tribe  that  received  William  Penn  in  the  friendly 
manner  just  described  belonged  to  the  Algonquin  family, 
and  were  called  Len'-ni  Len'-a-pees  in  their  own  language, 
and  Delawares  in  English.  According  to  their  traditions, 

Describe  Philadelphia,  as  it  was  in  1683.  In  16S5,  how  many  houses  did  it  contain? 
How  did  its  growth  compare  with  that  of  New  York?  In  1684,  what  did  Penn  do? 
Wliat  difficulties  arose  in  his  absence  ?  How  were  they  settled  ?  189.  Throughout  his 
whole  career,  how  did  James  II.  conduct  himself  towards  Penn?  Ou  his  fall,  what 
happened ?  What  is  said  of  the  close  of  Penn's  life  ?  When  did  he  die  ?  What  was 
the  population  of  Philadelphia  at  that  time? 

190.  What  tribe  was  it  that  received  William  Penn?    To -vhat  family  did  they  bo- 
long?     What  did  their  traditions  say  about  their  former  history  ?     What  did  part  of 


126  INDIAN    HISTORY.  [l539 

they  had  once  lived  far  off  in  the  northwest,  and  had  united 
with  the  Iroquois  in  driving  out  the  mound-builders  from  the 
valley  of  the  Mississippi.  In  the  fertile  region  thus  acquired 
they  lived  for  a  time  in  peace  ;  till  their  hunters,  having  as 
cended  the  mountains  on  the  east,  announced  that  great 
Btreams  flowed  down  from  them  into  a  vast  salt  lake  beyond, 
watering  a  pleasant  and  unoccupied  land.  On  this,  part  of 
the  Lenapees  migrated  eastward,  and  took  possession  of  the 
region  traversed  by  the  Susquehanna,  the  Delaware,  and  the 
Potomac.  Those  who  remained  in  the  west  became  known 
at  a  later  day  as  Illinois. 

Shortly  before  their  interview  with  Penn,  the  Delawares 
had  been  defeated  by  their  former  allies,  the  Iroquois,  and 
reduced  to  so  powerless  a  state  that  they  were  called  "  wo 
men"  by  their  conquerors.  But  they  had  never  acknow 
ledged  the  Iroquois  as  masters.  The  renowned  Tam'-a- 
nend,  the  greatest  of  their  warriors  and  statesmen,  was  still 
living  at  this  time.  He  was  afterwards  known  as  St.  Tam/- 
ma-ny,  and  different  associations  have  since  been  called  by 
his  name. 

191.  During  the  establishment  of  the  various  European 
settlements,  important  events  were  transpiring  among  the 
Indians  of  America.  The  chief  of  these  was  the  formation 
of  the  Iroquois  confederacy,  about  the  year  1539.  It  em 
braced  five  nations,  the  Mo'-hawks,  Oneidas  \o-ni' -daz],  On- 
ondagas  [pn-on-daw' -gaz\,  Cay-u'-gas,  and  Sen'-e-cas.  With 
these  the  Tuscaroras  afterwards  united,  when  they  were 
known  by  the  name  of  "  the  Six  Nations".  This  confeder 
acy  was  the  work  of  a  great  and  wise  chief,  Hiawatha  \lie-cu- 
icah'-tha\.  The  Indians  regarded  him  as  the  special  favorite 
of  the  Great  Spirit,  and  believed  that  he  was  taken  up  to 
heaven  in  a  snow-white  canoe  amid  strains  of  celestial  music. 

The  original  seat  of  the  Five  Nations  was  in  what  is  now 
the  central  part  of  New  York.  But,  after  a  series  of  bril- 

the  Lenapees  do  ?  What  were  those  who  remained  afterwards  called  ?  What  had  hap 
pened  shortly  before  the  interview  of  the  Delawares  with  Penn  ?  Who  was  still  living 
at  that  time  ?  What  have  been  named  from  Tamanend  ?  191.  What  important  con 
federacy  was  formed  about  1539?  What  nations  did  it  embrace?  Who  brought  it 
about?  What  was  the  belief  of  the  Indians  respecting  Hiawatha?  What  was  the 


1617]  EXPLORATIONS   OF   ALLOUEZ.  127 

liant  conquests  towards  the  close  of  the  seventeenth  century, 
they  claimed  the  whole  country  from  the  St.  Lawrence  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Ohio.  Their  victorious  career  was  for  a 
time  stopped  by  the  Miamis  and  Illinois,  who  with  savage 
ferocity  drank  from  the  skulls  of  their  slaughtered  chiefs, 
and  ate  the  still  quivering  hearts  of  their  tortured  warriors. 
But  at  last  these  also  were  vanquished.  Such  was  the  suc 
cess  of  the  Iroquois  that  even  to  remote  tribes  their  very 
name  became  a  terror. 

— .192.  We  have  described  the  efforts  of  Eliot  to  convert 
the  Indians  of  Massachusetts.  Some  time  before,  Jesuit  mis 
sionaries  had  taken  the  field  among  the  northern*  and  west 
ern  tribes.  The  Mohawks  had  been  visited  in  1617,  a  mis 
sion  had  been  established  among  the  Hurons,  a  college  and 
convent  had  been  founded  at  Quebec,  and  the  standards  of 
the  Roman  Catholic  Church  and  of  France  had  been  set  up 
at  various  points  from  Maine  to  Lake  Huron. 

193.  Passing  over  several  who  perished  in  the  wilderness 
from  accident  and  hardship,  and  others  who  suffered  martyr 
dom  in  the  war  between  the  Hurons  and  Iroquois,  we  come 
to  Allouez  \al-loo-af\.  In  1665,  he  explored  the  country  about 
Lake  Superior,  and  discovered  the  Pictured  Rocks  on  the 
southern  shore,  where  the  sand-stone,  300  feet  high,  is  worn 
into  forms  resembling  the  hoary  wralls  and  broken  columns 
of  an  ancient  ruin.     Here  he  taught  the  Chippeways  and 
Sioux,  and  was  told  by  the  latter  of  the  Mississippi,  or  "  great 
river". 

194.  Marquette  \mar-ket'\  a  devoted  Jesuit  missionary, 
next  took  the  field.     After  establishing  the  important  station 
of  Mack'-i-naw,  in  northern  Michigan  [see  Map,  p.  158],  he 
started  with  Joliet  \zhole-y a!\  in  1673,  to  discover  the  Mis 
sissippi.    Two  bark  canoes  bore  their  dried  meat  and  corn. 


original  seat  of  the  Five  Nations?  How  far  did  they  extend  their  conquests?  What 
enemies  stopped  their  victorious  career  for  a  time  ?  192.  Among  what  Indians  did 
Eliot  labor?  Who  had  taken  the  field  before  him?  What  was  done  by  these  early 
Jesuit  missionaries ?  193.  Who  is  the  first  specially  mentioned?  Give  an  account  of 
his  discoveries.  What  did  he  learn  from  the  Sioux  ?  194.  Who  next  took  the  field? 
What  station  did  he  establish  ?  [See  Map,  p.  153.— Between  what  two  lakes  is  Mack 
inaw  situated?"!  Whom  did  he  take  as  a  companion?  What  advice  did  they  receive 


128  JESUIT   MISSIONARIES.  |_1673 

The  Indians  they  met  advised  them  to  give  up  the  journey, 
declaring  that  they  would  have  to  encounter  not  only  hos 
tile  nations  and  intense  heats,  but  monsters  and  demons  that 
would  certainly  destroy  them.  The  zealous  Frenchmen, 
however,  were  not  discouraged.  Passing  through  Green 
Bay,  they  found  a  village  where  Allouez  had  been  before. 
The  cross  he  had  erected  was  loaded  with  bows  and  arrows, 
skins  and  belts,  hung  there  as  offerings  to  the  Great  Spirit. 
They  soon  struck  the  Wisconsin,  and  finally,  to  their  inex 
pressible  joy,  reached  the  Mississippi.  Descending  the  river, 
they  held  intercourse  from  time  to  time  with  the  Indians  on 
its  banks/  whom  they  found  gentle  and  friendly,  though 
brave,  and  already  supplied  with  arms  from  the  European 
settlements.  After  reaching  the  mouth  of  the  Arkansas, 
feasted  by  the  natives  at  different  points  with  hominy  and 
dog-flesh,  they  retraced  their  course  in  safety  to  Green  Bay. 

The  zealous  Marquette  soon  after  undertook  another  expe 
dition,  to  the  Indians  of  Illinois,  whose  hearts  were  won  by 
his  gentleness  and  love.  While  sailing  along  the  eastern 
coast  of  Lake  Michigan,  on  his  return,  he  went  ashore  to 
perform  a  religious  ceremony.  His  men  waited  long  for  his 
reappearance ;  and,  on  going  to  seek  him,  found  that  he  had 
died  during  his  prayers.  They  buried  him  near  the  mouth 
of  a  stream  called  from  him  the  Marquette.  Years  after, 
when  the  Indian  was  tossed  on  the  boisterous  surface  of  the 
lake,  he  would  seek  to  calm  the  tempest  and  still  the  waves 
by  calling  on  the  name  of  the  pious  missionary. 

195.  La  Salle  \lah  sal]  next  engaged  in  explorations  in 
the  west,  under  a  commission  from  Louis  XIV.,  of  France. 
Though  possessed  of  limited  means,  La  Salle  was  a  man  oi 
wonderful  courage,  endurance,  and  enterprise.  With  the 
Jesuit  Hen'-ne-pin,  who  wrote  an  account  of  his  discoveries, 
he  started  from  Fort  Fron'-te-nac  [see  Map,  p.  158],  in  the 

from  the  Indians?  What  did  they  find  shortly  after  .caving  Green  Bay?  What  river 
did  they  finally  reach  ?  How  far  did  they  descend  it  ?  What  kind  of  tribes  did  they  find 
on  its  banks?  What  other  expedition  did  Marquette  undertake?  Give  an  account  of 
his  death.  Years  after,  what  were  the  Indians  in  the  habit  of  doing?  195.  Who  next 
explored  the  western  country?  By  whom  was  he  commissioned?  What  was  his 
character i  Whom  did  he  take  as  a  companion?  [See  Map,  p.  158.— Where  is  Fort 


io78j  LA  SALLE'S  EXPEDITION.  129 

first  sail  boat  that  ever  crossed  Lake  Ontario.  After  losing 
his  vessel,  performing  a  long  journey  partly  overland  and 
partly  with  canoes,  building  forts  and  trading-houses,  and 
meeting  with  a  variety  of  romantic  adventures,  La  Salle 
finally  returned  to  Canada.  A  portion  of  his  company, 
among  whom  was  Hennepin,  reached  the  Mississippi,  and 
gave  the  name  of  St.  Anthony  to  the  falls  in  the  upper  part 
of  that  river.  In  1681,  he  again  started,  and  this  time 
reached  the  Mississippi  himself.  After  sailing  down  it  to  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico  (1682)  and  taking  possession  of  the  country 
for  his  king,  in  whose  honor  he  named  it  Louisiana,  he  re 
turned,  and  crossed  the  ocean  to  France  for  further  means. 

He  was  there  intrusted  with  the  command  of  an  expedi 
tion  fitted  out  for  the  purpose  of  colonizing  Louisiana.  At 
tempting  to  reach  the  scene  of  his  former  discoveries  from 
the  south,  he  was  unable  to  find  the  great  river  he  had  de 
scended.  In  the  effort  his  store-ship  was  wrecked,  and  there 
was  no  alternative  but  to  seek  the  desired  spot  by  land.  At 
one  time  we  read  of  him  in  Texas,  at  another  in  northern 
Mexico.  His  men  sunk  under  their  hardships,  and  La  Salle 
himself  became  soured  and  discouraged.  "  The  hidden 
river"  was  nowhere  to  be  found,  and  at  last  he  resolved  to 
traverse  the  continent  in  search  of  it  as  far  as  Canada,  and  if 
still  unsuccessful  to  return  to  France  for  a  new  outfit.  He 
had  reached  a  branch  of  the  Trinity  River,  in  Texas,  when 
he  was  murdered  by  some  of  his  men,  whom  repeated  disap 
pointments  incited  to  the  crime.  But  few  of  La  Salle's  com 
pany  survived  the  hardships  of  this  journey  to  Canada. 
They  had  left  a  colony  on  the  Colorado  [col-o^rati -do]  ;  but 
it  was  soon  destroyed  by  the  Spaniards,  who  based  on  this 
conquest  a  claim  to  Texas. 

Frontenac?  What  place  now  occupies  its  site?]  Give  an  account  of  La  Salle's  first 
expedition.  What  did  some  of  his  companions  succeed  in  doing  ?  What  falls  did  they 
name?  In  1682,  what  did  La  Salle  do?  In  whose  honor  did  he  name  the  country? 
On  his  return  to  France,  with  what  was  he  intrusted  ?  How  did  he  attempt  to  reach 
Louisiana?  Recount  his  efforts.  What  resolve  did  he  at  last  form  ?  What  prevented 
him  from  carrying  it  out  ?  What  became  of  most  of  his  companions  ?  Where  did  they 
leave  a  colony  ?  What  was  its  fate  ? 

6* 


130  NEW    YOKK   UNDER   ANDKOS.  [1664 


CHAPTER    XIX. 

NEW  YORK,  TO  1689. FKENCH   AND  IEOQUOIS   WAR. 

196.  NICHOLS,  who  took  New  York  from  the  Dutch  iii 
1664,  acted  as  governor  for  three  years.    Contenting  himself 
with  extorting  large  sums  of  money  from  the  land-owners, 
he  neither  attempted  reforms,  nor  granted  the  people  any 
greater  liberty  than  they  had  before   enjoyed.     In  1667, 
Nichols  was  succeeded  by  Lovelace.     War  soon  after  broke 
out  between  England  and  Holland.    An  attack  was  expected 
by  the  authorities  of  New  York,  and  the  city  was  put  in  a 
state  of  defence.     The  Dutch  made  their  appearance  in  the 
harbor,  as  had  been  anticipated ;  but,  instead  of  attempting 
an  assault,  they  bribed  the  officer  in  command  of  the  fort, 
and  thus  quietly  obtained  possession  of  the  city  and  the 
whole  province. 

197.  By  a  treaty  made  in  1674,  New  York  was  restored 
to  the  English,  and  Sir  Edmund  An'-dros  became  its  governor 
under  a  new  patent  granted  to  James,  Duke  of  York.     One 
of  his  first  acts  was  to  punish  the  traitor  who  had  admitted 
the  Dutch  into  the  city,  by  having  his  sword  broken  over  his 
head  in  front  of  the  City  Hall.     The  new  governor  tried  to 
extend  his  authority  over  Connecticut  and  New  Jersey,  but 
was  firmly  resisted  and  failed  in  both  attempts.     The  people 
of  New  York,  also,  complained  loudly  of  his  encroachments 
on  their  rights  and  demanded  a  voice  in  their  own  govern 
ment.     The  Duke  of  York,  whose  instructions   had  been 
faithfully  followed  by  Andros,  at  a  loss  what  course  to  pur 
sue,  applied  to  William  Penn  for  counsel.     This  friend  of 
popular  liberty  advised  him  to  abandon  his  arbitrary  meas 
ures  ;  and  without  delay  Andros  was  recalled,  and  Thomas 

196.  Wbo  took  New  York  from  the  Dutch?  How  long  did  he  act  as  governor? 
What  is  said  of  his  course  T  By  whom  was  he  succeeded  ?  What  happened  during 
the  war  between  England  and  Holland  which  soon  after  broke  out?  197.  What  took 
place  in  1674  ?  Who  became  governor  of  New  York  ?  What  was  one  of  his  first  acts  ? 
What  did  the  new  governor  try  to  do  ?  What  difficulties  did  he  encounter  in  New 
tork?  To  whom  did  the  duke  apply  for  counsel?  What  advice  did  ho  receive? 


1683]  FRENCH    AND   IROQUOIS    WAR.  131 

Dongan  was  sent  over  as  governor,  with  directions  to  recog 
nize  the  authority  of  the  Assembly  (1683). 

198.  The  most  important  act  of  Dongan's  administration 
was  the  conclusion  of  a  treaty  with  the  Iroquois.     Anticipa 
ting  an  invasion  by  the  French,  the  chiefs  of  the  Mohawks 
and  other  tribes  met  the  governors  of  New  York  and  Vir 
ginia  at  Albany,  and  interchanged  pledges  of  friendship. 
They  were  none  too  soon;  for  the  next  month  [August, 
1684],  De  la  Barre  [bar],  governor  of  Canada,  made  a  de 
scent  upon  their  hunting-grounds.     Before  he  encountered 
the  Indians,  sickness  prostrated  most  of  his  soldiers.     The 
cunning  Frenchman  then  sought  to  make  the  Iroquois  be 
lieve  that  he  had  come  merely  to  smoke  the  pipe  of  peace. 
Though  they  understood  the  state  of  the  case,  the  Red  Men 
allowed  their  enemies  to  depart,  and  the  invaders  returned 
in  disgrace  to  Canada. 

De  la  Barre  was  superseded  by  Denonville  [du-nong-veel1]. 
The  latter  proceeded  to  establish  a  fort  at  Niagara,  despite 
the  remonstrances  of  the  governor  of  New  York.  At  this 
time  (1686),  began  the  conflict  between  French  and  English 
claims  which  afterwards  led  to  a  destructive  war. 

199.  Instructions  were  received  by  the  new  governor  to 
capture  as  many  Indians  as  he  could  and  send  them  to 
France.     Accordingly  a  number  of  Iroquois  were  enticed 
into  a  French  fort,  under  pretence  that  a  treaty  was  to  be 
made,  and  were  there  seized.     They  were  afterwards  sent  to 
Marseilles  [mar-salz']  and  consigned  to  the  galleys.    A  large 
army  of  Indians  immediately  assembled  to  attack  Montreal. 
Denonville  appeased  their  fury  by  complying  with  their  de 
mands  ;  and  the  wai  would  probably  have  ended  had  it  not 
been  for  the  machinations  of  a  Huron  chief.     Fearing  an 
attack  from  the  Five  Nations,  if  peace  should  be  made,  he 
craftily  led  them  to  believe  that  the  French  were  dealing 
treacherously,  and  had  invited  him  to  aid  in  their  destruc- 

What  was  the  consequence  ?  198.  What  was  the  most  important  act  of  Dongan's  ad 
ministration  ?  Where  was  this  treaty  made?  What  took  place  the  next  month  ?  Give 
on  account  of  De  la  Barre's  expedition.  By  whom  was  he  superseded  ?  What  cause  of 
difficulty  arose  between  Denonville  and  the  governor  of  New  York  ?  199.  What  instruc- 
tlous  did  Denonville  receive  ?  How  were  they  carried  out  ?  What  did  this  wanton  act 


132  NEW    ENGLAND    UNDER   ANDROS.  [l689 

don.  Incensed  beyond  measure,  the  Iroquois  no  longer  de 
layed  the  invasion  of  Canada  [1689].  They  suddenly  fell  on 
Montreal,  laid  waste  the  city,  massacred  a  thousand  of  the 
inhabitants,  and  overran  a  great  part  of  Canada.  The  French 
in  despair  blew  up  Forts  Frontenac  and  Niagara.  Their 
power  was  now  nearly  extinguished,  not  a  single  town  re 
maining  in  their  possession  between  the  St.  Lawrence  and 
Mackinaw. 


CHAPTER    XX. 

NEW   ENGLAND   UNDER   ANDROS   AND   PHIPPS. 

200.  WHEN  the  Duke  of  York  became  King  of  England 
under  the  title  of  James  II.  [1685],  he  revoked  the  charters 
of  the  northern  colonies  and  made  Sir  Edmund  Andros  gov 
ernor  of  all  New  England.     Remembering  how  he  had  been 
treated  a  few  years  before  hi  New  York,  Andros  determined 
to  carry  out  to  the  letter  the  principles  of  his  despotic  master. 
Every  right  that  the  people  had  enjoyed,  was  now  denied 
them,  while  their  taxes  were  largely  increased.     The  Church 
of  England  was  established  contrary  to  their  wishes,  and 
meetings  of  the  people,  except  for  the  choice  of  town  officers, 
were  prohibited. 

201.  After  dissolving  the  Assembly  of  Rhode  Island,  An 
dros  proceeded  to  Connecticut  and  demanded  the  surrender 
of  its  charter.     Governor  Treat  remonstrated  with  him,  but 
in  vain.     The  Assembly,  then  in  session  at  Hartford,  engaged 
in  an  earnest  debate  on  the  subject,  which  was  protracted 
till  evening ;  and  the  people  crowded  into  the  hall  to  hear 
the  discussion  and  take  a  last  look  of  the  precious  parchment 

provoke  the  Indians  to  do?  Give  an  account  of  their  invasion  of  Canada.  Upon  this 
reverse,  what  did  the  French  do  ?  What  is  said  of  their  power  in  the  new  world  at  this 
time  ? 

200.  What  did  James  II.  do  on  becoming  king?  What  course  did  Andros  pursue? 
Mention  some  of  his  offensive  measures.  201.  What  did  Andros  do  in  Rhode  Island  ? 
"What,  in  Connecticut  ?  What  took  place  in  the  Assembly  hall  ?  Where  was  the  charter 


1687] 


EXPULSION    OF   ANDKOS. 


133 


which  lay  open  on  a 
table.  Suddenly  the 
lights  were  extin 
guished,  and  when 
they  were  reprodu 
ced  the  charter  could 
not  be  found.  A  pa 
triot  named  Wads- 
worth  had  escaped 
with  it  through  the 
crowd  and  concealed 
it  in  the  hollow  of  a 
stately  oak.  This 
tree  was  called,  in 
commemoration,  the 
Charter  Oak,  and  was 
until  overthrown  by 
the  year  1856. 
liberties  were  founded 
the  government.  His  next  step  was  to  supersede  Dongan 
in  New  York.  Thus,  in  1688,  all  the  English  possessions 
north  of  Pennsylvania  were  united  under  one  despotic  gov 
ernment. 

This  state  of  things,  however,  did  not  last  long.  In  the 
spring  of  1689,  news  reached  Boston,  where  Andros  had 
fixed  his  head-quarters,  that  James  II.  was  no  longer  king, 
but  had  been  displaced  by  William  of  Orange.  The  people 
immediately  rose  in  open  revolt.  Their  former  magistrates 
were  restored.  Andros  was  arrested,  and  sent  to  England 
for  trial.  Representatives  were  elected,  and  it  was  voted 
that  the  rights  before  enjoyed  should  be  resumed.  Similar 
movements  were  made  in  the  other  colonies ;  and  in  Con 
necticut  the  venerabbe  parchment  was  drawn  uninjured  from 
the  hollow  oak. 

202.  The  next  two  years  were  spent  by  the  people  of 


Though 


THE  CHARTER   OAK. 

___,  .  carefully    preserved 

><=k-^     a  violent   storm   in 
the   instrument   on   which   their 
was  thus  saved,  Andros  assumed 


concealed  ?    What  became  of  this  oak  ?    What  was  the  next  step  of  Andros  ?    What 
put  an  end  to  his  authority  ?    After  his  expulsion,  what  measures  were  taken  by  tho 


134  NEW    ENGLAND    UNDER    PHIPPS.  [l689 

Massachusetts  in  trying  to  obtain  a  charter  from  William 
HI.  They  finally  succeeded,  though  the  instrument  was  of 
a  totally  different  character  from  what  they  had  expected. 
Many  of  their  privileges  were  taken  away,  including  the 
election  of  officers,  who  were  thenceforth  to  be  appointed 
by  the  governor  or  the  crown.  The  boundaries  of  the  col 
ony  were  extended  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  an  exposed 
frontier  was  thus  added,  which  it  cost  much  to  defend.  To 
reconcile  the  people  to  these  changes,  a  native  of  New  Eng 
land,  Sir  William  Phipps,  was  appointed  governor  of  Mas 
sachusetts.  He  had  acquired  a  large  fortune  by  raising  plate, 
jewels,  and  treasure  from  the  wreck  of  a  Spanish  vessel  in 
Hispaniola,  but,  being  ignorant  and  bigoted,  he  did  little  to 
advance  the  interests  of  the  colony. 


CHAPTER   XXI. 

KING    WILLTAM'S    WAK. 

203.  A  MUTUAL  jealousy  had  long  existed  between  the 
French  and  English  in  America.     The  former  were  far  infe 
rior  to  the  latter  in  number  and  strength,  particularly  after 
their  disastrous  war  with  the  Iroquois.     But  they  had  some 
strong  posts  left,  and  claimed  a  vast  tract,  including  Nova 
Scotia,  Newfoundland,  Labrador,  Hudson's   Bay,  Canada, 
the  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  and  Texas.     Their  title  to  these 
extensive  regions  rested  on  the  explorations  of  French  Jes 
uits,  who  had  set  up  the  arms  of  France  in  various  parts  of 
the  wilderness,  and  acquired  great  influence  with  the  native 
tribes. 

204.  In  1689,  while  still  ignorant  of  the  burning  of  Mon 
treal,  the  French  government  formally  declared  war  against 

people?  202.  In  what  did  the  people  of  Massachusetts  spend  the  next  two  years? 
Mention  some  of  the  provisions  of  the  charter  they  obtained.  How  was  it  soucht  to 
reconcile  the  people  of  New  England  to  these  changes?  How  had  Phipps  acquired  a 
fortune  ?  What  was  his  character  ? 

203.  How  did  the  French  and  English  in  America  feel  towards  each  other  ?     How  did 
tboy  compare  in  number  and  strength  ?    What  regions  did  the  French  claim  ?    On  what 


1689J  RAVAGES    OF   THE   ABENAKIS.  135 

England.  Count  Frontenac  was  made  governor  of  Canada, 
with  instructions  to  protect  the  French  possessions,  to  de 
stroy  the  English  stations  around  Hudson's  Bay,  and  to 
make  a  descent  on  New  York  in  conjunction  with  a- French 
fleet.  On  reaching  the  St.  Lawrence  and  learning  the  losses 
of  his  countrymen,  he  found  it  necessary  to  alter  his  plans ; 
and,  sending  out  emissaries,  he  excited  the  tribes  in  alliance 
with  France  to  dig  up  the  tomahawk  against  the  English. 
The  Abenakis  [ab-e-naf^-eez^  a  branch  of  the  Lenni  Lenapees 
living  in  Maine  [see  Map,  p.  10],  were  the  first  to  commence 
hostilities.  They  had  been  treacherously  dealt  with  by  Eng 
lish  settlers  thirteen  years  before,  and  rejoiced  at  this  op 
portunity  of  revenge. 

Two  of  their  squaws  were  sent  to  the  house  of  an  aged 
English  magistrate  named  Waldron,  and,  pleading  fatigue, 
obtained  permission  to  lodge  there  for  the  night.  Rising 
after  the  family  had  retired,  they  opened  the  doors  to  their 
confederates.  The  savages  placed  Mr.  Waldron  on  a  chair 
on  his  own  table,  and  bade  him  "judge  Indians"  now,  as  he 
had  done  before.  A  number  of  them  owed  him  money  for 
goods.  Each,  drawing  his  knife  with  inhuman  barbarity 
across  the  old  man's  breast,  cried  in  turn,  "  Thus  I  cross  out 
my  account".  At  last  fainting  from  loss  of  blood,  the  unfor 
tunate  man  fell  to  the  floor.  The  Indians,  after  burning  his 
house  and  others  in  the  neighborhood,  returned  to  their  vil 
lages  with  29  captives.  The  English  settlements  on  the  Pe- 
nobscot  and  St.  John's  were  attacked  in  like  manner,  and  in 
a  short  time  the  Abenakis  recovered  the  whole  of  their  for 
mer  hunting-grounds. 

205.  Frontenac  now  resolved  to  strike  a  bold  blow,  in  the 
hope  of  inspiring  the  Iroquois,  the  old  enemies  of  his  nation, 
with  respect  for  French  prowess,  and  winning  them  over  from 
the  side  of  the  English.  Accordingly,  in  1690,  he  fitted  out 

did  their  claim  rest?  204.  What  did  the  French  government  do  in  1689?  Whom  did 
they  send  out  to  Canada?  What  were  his  instructions?  What  made  him  alter  his 
plans  ?  What  means  did  he  take  for  injuring  the  English  ?  Who  were  the  first  to  com 
mence  hostilities  ?  What  made  them  rejoice  at  the  opportunity  ?  Give  au  account  of 
their  barbarous  murder  of  Mr.  Waldron.  How  many  captives  did  they  carry  off?  What 
English  settlements  were  attacked  at  the  same  time  by  the  savages  ?  205.  In  1690. 


136  KING  WILLIAM'S  WAJR.  [ 


169O 


a  force  of  French  and  Indians  for  an  attack  on  the  New  York 
frontier.  A  rapid  march  of  twenty-two  days  brought  them 
to  the  neighborhood  of  Schenectady  [ske-nec'-ta-de].  About 
an  hour  before  midnight,  they  entered  one  of  the  gates  in 
the  palisade  wall  that  surrounded  the  village,  and  found  all 
the  inhabitants  asleep,  even  to  the  sentinel  at  his  post.  The 
terrible  war-whoop  was  raised,  and  the  work  of  massacre 
went  on  for  two  hours.  Completely  taken  by  surprise,  the 
settlers  hardly  attempted  resistance.  Some  were  butchered 
in  their  beds ;  others  hid  themselves  till  the  flames  of  their 
burning  dwellings  drove  them  on  the  tomahawks  of  their 
foes ;  a  few  escaped  half  dressed  into  the  woods  in  the  hope 
of  reaching  Albany,  but  were  either  lost  amid  the  snow  or 
suffered  incredible  hardships.  At  sunset  there  had  been 
forty  well-built  houses  in  this  thriving  village ;  the  next 
morning  hardly  one  was  standing.  About  sixty  of  the  in 
habitants  had  fallen. 

206.  At  last  the  English  were  roused  to  a  sense  of  their 
danger;  and  in  1690,  at  the  suggestion  of  Massachusetts, 
delegates  from  all  the  colonies  as  far  south  as  Maryland 
assembled  in  New  York.  They  resolved  to  fit  out  two  ex 
peditions  for  the  conquest  of  Canada, — a  land  force  to  invade 
the  country  by  way  of  Lake  Champlain,  and  a  fleet  to  operate 
against  Quebec.  The  command  of  the  latter  was  given  to 
Sir  William  Phipps.  After  taking  Port  Royal,  Phipps  sailed 
leisurely  up  the  St.  Lawrence.  But  meanwhile  Frontenac 
had  received  intelligence  of  his  approach  through  an  Indian 
runner.  When  Phipps,  therefore,  arrived  before  Quebec,  he 
found  it  prepared  for  the  attack.  His  summons  to  surrender 
was  treated  with  contempt ;  and,  as  the  land  force  which  he 
expected  had  not  arrived,  without  attempting  an  assault,  he 
reembarked  his  troops  and  sailed  for  home.  Violent  storms 
shattered  his  ships ;  and,  when  Phipps  returned  to  Boston,  it 
was  found  that  nothing  had  been  gamed  by  the  expedition 
but  an  exhausted  treasury. 


what  did  Frontenac  do?  Give  an  account  of  the  attack  on  Schenectady.  How  many 
houses  were  destroyed  ?  How  many  of  the  inhabitants  perished  ?  206.  What  did  the 
English  colonies  do  In  1690?  How  many  expeditions  did  they  resolve  to  fif  out?  To 


1690]  HEROISM    OF    MRS.    DUSTIN.  137 

207.  King  William's  War  continued  to  afflict  the  colonies 
till  the  peace  of  Rys'-wick,  in  1697.  The  later  movements 
of  the  French  were  directed  principally  against  the  Iroquois, 
who  still  remained  faithful  to  the  English.  Frontenac  in 
vaded  their  country  several  times,  burned  their  crops,  de 
stroyed  their  castles,  and  took  a  number  of  prisoners,  who 
were  cruelly  tortured  by  the  "  Christian  Indians"  in  his  em- 
•  ploy.  The  latter,  also,  made  descents  from  time  to  time  on 
the  frontier  settlements  of  the  English.  One  of  these  fur 
nishes  a  remarkable  instance  of  courage  in  a  feeble  Wbman. 

In  March,  1697,  a  party  of  Indians  attacked  a  house  in 
Haverhill  [/ia'-ver-it],  Mass,  [see  Map,  p.  84].  Its  owner, 
Mr.  Dustin,  was  at  work  in  a  neighboring  field,  and  before 
he  could  get  home  the  Indians  had  dragged  his  sick  wife 
from  her  bed  and  dashed  out  the  brains  of  her  newly  born 
infant.  Mr.  Dustin  tried  to  defend  his  seven  remaining 
children,  bidding  them  run  to  the  woods  while  he  kept  the 
Indians'  off  with  his  gun.  The  party  that  had  taken  Mrs. 
Dustin  drove  her  and  her  nurse,  almost  overcome  by  fatigue 
and  cold,  several  miles  beyond  Concord,  N.  H.  Here  they 
stopped  for  a  time ;  but  Mrs.  Dustin,  hearing  that  she  was 
to  be  taken  to  a  distant  village,  resolved  to  escape  or  die. 
There  was  a  boy  in  the  family  of  her  captor,  who  had  been 
a  prisoner  for  a  year.  This  boy,  at  her  request,  asked  his 
master  the  proper  mode  of  striking  a  blow  so  as  to  cause  in 
stant  death.  The  Indian  willingly  gave  the  desired  informa 
tion,  and  also  showed  him  how  to  take  off  a  scalp.  These 
instructions  being  communicated  to  Mrs.  Dustin,  shortly  be 
fore  dawn  she  silently  awoke  the  boy  and  her  nurse,  and  as 
signed  their  respective  parts.  The  work  was  quickly  done. 
Ten  of  the  sleeping  Indians  were  killed,  one  woman  escaped, 
and  a  child  was  spared.  After  scalping  the  savages  that  she 
might  prove  her  story  on  her  return,  Mrs.  Dustin  armed 
herself  with  gun  and  tomahawk,  and  started  for  the  Merri- 

whom  waa  the  command  of  the  naval  jexpedition  intrusted  ?  Give  an  account  of  Phipps' 
Operations.  207.  How  long  did  King  William's  War  afflict  the  colonies  ?  Against  whom 
were  the  later  movements  of  the  French  directed?  How  were  the  Iroquois  treated? 
From  whom  did  the  frontier  settlements  of  the  English  suffer  ?  Tell  the  story  about 
Mrs.  Dustin.  [See  Map,  p.  84.— Where  is  Haverhill  ?] 


138  WITCHCRAFT   IN    NEW   ENGLAND.  [l697 

mack  with  her  companions.  Having  procured  a  canoe,  they 
descended  the  river,  and  were  soon  among  their  friends,  who 
had  mourned  them  as  dead. 


CHAPTER   XXII. 

WITCHCRAFT   IN   NEW  ENGLAND. 

WS.^LN  1692,  while  King  William's  War  was  still  at  its 
height,  New  England  suffered  from  a  strange  delusion,  which 
originated  with  a  few  superstitious  ministers  and  magistrates. 
Some  children  of  Mr.  Parris,  who  was  settled  over  the  church 
of  Salem  (now  Danvers),  Mass.,  being  affected  in  an  unusual 
manner,  their  father  fancied  that  they  were  bewitched,  and 
scourged  an  Indian  servant  till  she  confessed  that  she  was  a 
witch,  and  had  caused  their  illness.  Cotton  Mather,  an  ec 
centric  but  influential  minister,  took  the  matter  up,  and  great 
excitement  spread  through  the  colony.  Public  prosecutions 
were  commenced,  and  a  gallows,  was  erected  for  the  guilty 
at  the  end  of  the  town.  In  June,  a  poor  and  friendless  old 
woman  was  tried.  Convicted  on  the  evidence  of  her  neigh 
bors,  who  charged  her  with  being  the  cause  of  various  mis 
fortunes  that  had  befallen  them,  she  was  forthwith  hanged. 
The  wildest  assertions  were  blindly  credited.  Mather  him 
self  tells  us  that  the  old  woman  only  looked  at  the  spacious 
meeting-house  of  Salem,  and  an  invisible  demon  tore  down 
a  part  of  it. 

209.  Five  women,  "all  of  blameless  lives,"  were  convicted 
at  the  next  session  of  the  court ;  and  these,  with  five  others 
afterwards  found  guilty,  were  hanged.  The  officer  ordered 
to  arrest  them  refused  to  assist  in  what  he  considered  mur 
der,  and  was  himself  seized  and  executed.  The  excitement 
became  intense.  People  actually  fancied  themselves  be- 


208.  From  what  did  New  England  suffer  in  1692?  Where  did  this  delusion  origi 
nate?  In  whose  family?  Who  took  the  matter  up?  What  punishment  was  decided 
on  for  the  guilty?  What  took  place  in  June?  What  does  Mather  tell  us  about  this 
old  woman  ?  209.  Soon  after  this,  how  many  were  hanged  on  the  charge  of  witchcraft  ? 


1693]  EXECUTION    OF    TWENTY    VICTIMS.  139 

witched,  and  gave  evidence  against  their  relations  and 
friends.  Testimony  that  would  have  been  excluded  in  other 
cases  was  received  and  acted  on.  Weak-minded  fanatics, 
children,  and  even  those  who  were  known  to  have  perjured 
themselves,  were  admitted  as  witnesses.  When  other  means 
failed,  the  accused  were  tortured  until  they  acknowledged 
themselves  guilty.  One  young  woman  was  so  wrought  upon 
as  to  give  evidence  against  her  grandfather,  but  afterwards 
took  back  what  she  had  said.  The  judges,  while  they  ac 
cepted  her  testimony,  rejected  her  recantation,  and^ent  the 
old  man  to  the  gallows. 

Among  those  hanged  in  August,  was  a  minister  named 
Burroughs  \bur'-roze\,  who  had  denounced  the  proceedings 
of  Mather  and  his  associates,  and  declared  that  there  was  no 
such  thing  as  witchcraft.  He  made  a  speech  on  the  seafibld, 
and  repeated  the  Lord's  Prayer  so  affectingly  as  to  draw 
tears  from  the  spectators.  At  this  moment  Mather  appeared 
among  the  crowd  on  horseback,  and  quieted  the  people  with 
quotations  from  Scripture.  An  old  man  of  eighty,  refusing 
to  plead  because  he  saw  that  every  trial  resulted  in  convic 
tion,  was  barbarously  pressed  to  death.  This  was  followed 
by  the  execution  of  eight  more  unfortunate  victims  on  the 
gallows.  Twenty  in  all  had  now  become  martyrs  to  the 
delusion,  while  upwards. of  fi'fty  had  been  frightened  or  tor 
tured  into  confession. 

210.  At  last  the  people  began  to  awake  to  the  horror  of 
such  scenes.  When  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  assem 
bled  in  October,  1692,  numerous  petitions  for  protection 
were  presented.  Mather,  who  gloried  in  these  judicial  mur 
ders,  had  feared  this ;  and,  in  a  work  entitled  "  The  Wonders 
of  the  Invisible  World,"  he  sought  to  prove  that  the  heinous 
sin  of  witchcraft  really  existed  among  them,  and  that  the 
proper  course  had  been  taken  to  root  it  out.  Notwithstand 
ing  this,  the  legislature  promptly  abolished  the  special  court 

What  was  done  to  an  officer  who  refused  to  arrest  the  accused  ?  Describe  tt  e  excite 
ment  that  prevailed.  What  story  is  told  of  a  young  woman  ?  What  is  said  of  the  exe 
cution  of  Burroughs?  What  was  done  to  an  old  man  of  eighty?  By  what  was  this 
barbarous  execution  followed  ?  How  many  in  all  fell  victims  to  the  delusion  ?  210. 
What  step  did  the  people  at  last  take  for  protection  ?  How  did  Mather  try  to  keep  up 


14:0  NEW    YORK    UNDER    LEISLER.  [l693 

in  which  the  pretended  trials  had  been  conducted.  Prose 
cutions  were  again  attempted ;  but  the  eyes  of  the  people 
were  opened,  and  the  accused  were  acquitted  as  fast  as  they 
were  tried.  The  despotic  power  of  a  few  fanatics  was 
broken ;  there  was  no  more  hanging  or  torturing.  Most  of 
those  who  had  participated  in  the  bloody  work  afterwards 
confessed  their  error,  but  Mather  defended  his  course  to  the 
last. 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

NEW   YORK    UNDER    LEISLER,    SLOUGHTER,    FLETCHER,    AND 
BELLAMONT. CAPTAIN   KIDD. 

211.  WHEN  news  of  the  fall  of  James  II.  was  received  in 
New  York,  a  committee  of  safety,  formed  of  ten  citizens, 
took  possession  of  the  fort,  and  intrusted  the  government  to 
Jacob  Leisler  \licef -ler\  His  authority  was  denied  by  Col. 
Bayard  [bi'-ard]  and  the  magistrates  of  Albany,  who  held 
commissions  from  James  II.  Having  forwarded  to  King 
William  a  candid  statement  of  what  had  been  done,  Leisler 
sent  his  son-in-law  to  demand  the  submission  of  Albany.  This 
was  refused  with  an  open  defiance  of  his  power.  Bayard 
continued  his  opposition ;  but  in  a  few  weeks  he  fell  into 
Leisler's  hands,  and  was  consigned  to  prison. 

Meanwhile  the  king  had  appointed  Sloughter  \slaw' -ter\ 
governor,  and  hi  1691  he  arrived.  Leisler  immediately  sur 
rendered  the  fort,  but  had  no  sooner  done  so  than  he  was 
arrested  on  a  charge  of  treason.  He  had  ruled  nearly  two 
years  by  the  authority  of  the  people,  and  with  the  silent 
consent  of  the  king ;  but  he  was  now  in  the  power  of  the 
governor's  council,  of  which  Bayard  was  a  member,  and  hia 
fate  was  sealed.  A  court  composed  of  persons  whose  opin- 

the  delusion?    What  course  did  the  legislature  pursue?    What  was  the  consequence  ? 
What  is  said  of  those  who  had  participated  in  the  bloody  work? 

211.  What  took  place  in  New  York  when  the  news  of  James  Second's  fall  was  re 
ceived?  Who  denied  Leisler's  authority?  What  steps  did  Leisler  take  for  enforcing 
it  ?  How  did  he  treat  Bayard  ?  Whom,  meanwhile,  had  the  king  made  governor  ?  On 


169l] 


EXECUTION   OF   LEISLER. 


141 


ions  were  already  formed,  pronounced  him  guilty ;  and  Gov, 
Sloughter, 'while  intoxicated^  was  persuaded  to  sign  his  death- 
warrant.     He  and    jj 
his  son-in-law  were 
led  to  the  gallows 


LEI9LEK   ON   THE   GALIX)W8. 


In  the  presence  of  an  immense  crowd,  who,  though  over- 
awed  by  English  soldiers,  testified  with  groans  and  shrieks 
their  abhorrence  of  the  execution.  Leisler  in  his  dying 
speech  maintained  that  his  course  had  been  that  of  a  sincere 
patriot.  The  people  regarded  him  as  a  martyr  to  their  cause, 
and  saved  pieces  of  his  garments  as  precious  relics.  During 
the  execution,  his  enemies  were  drowning  the  rebukes  of 
conscience  in  wine  and' revelry. 

After  making  a  treaty  with  the  Iroquois  at  Albany,  Slough- 
ter  died.  He  was  succeeded  by  an  intemperate  tyrant  named 
Fletcher.  Fletcher  employed  himself  mainly  in  quarrelling 
with  the  people,  whose  rights  since  the  revocation  of  their 


his  arrival,  what  did  Leisler  do?    What  charge  was  brought  against  him  ?    By  whose 
authority  had  he  heU    the  government  ?    Give  an  account  of  his  trial.    Describe  hi3 


14:2  CAPTAIN    KIDD.  |"l698 

charter  had  been  sadly  curtailed.  In  1698,  he  gave  place  to 
the  Earl  of  Bel'-la-mont,  a  man  of  enlightened  and  liberal 
views.  Bellamont's  commission  gave  him  authority  over 
New  York,  and  the  whole  of  New  England  except  Rhode 
Island  and  Connecticut. 

212.  About  this  time,  a  person  named  William  Kidd  gain 
ed  a  wide  notoriety.     Having  proved  himself  an  able  naval 
officer  in  the  war  with  France,  he  was  appointed  commander 
of  a  vessel  fitted  out  by  private  enterprise  in  England  to 
cruise  against  the  pirates  in  the  eastern  seas.     Not  finding 
the  voyage  as  profitable  as  was  expected,  Kidd  and  his  men 
turned  pirates  themselves.     After  taking  many  vessels  and 
accumulating  a  large  amount  of  treasure,  Kidd  ran  for  the 
West  Indies,  and  there  learned  that  a  proclamation  had  been 
issued  against  him  in  England.    In  spite  of  this,  he  ventured 
to  return  to  New  York.     Fletcher,  the  old  patron  of  pirates, 
was  no  longer  governor ;  and  Kidd,  after  secretly  depositing 
part  of  his  treasure  and  distributing  the  balance  among  his 
crew,  proceeded  to  Boston  to  meet  Bellamont,  who  was  one 
of  the  projectors  of  the  enterprise.     The  latter,  not  satisfied 
with  his  statements,  arrested  him,  and  sent  him  to  London 
for  trial.     Here,  after  some  delay,  granted  him  in  the  hope 
that  he  would  implicate  those  who  had  sent  him  out,  Kidd 
was  convicted.     He  was  hanged  in  chains  in  May,  1701,  pro 
testing  his  innocence  to  the  last,  and  declaring  that  he  had 
attacked  none  but  French  vessels,  and  consequently  violated 
no  law,  France  and  England  being  then  at  war. 

213.  Repeated  attempts  have  been  made  to  find  the  treas 
ure  supposed  to  have  been  buried  by  Captain  Kidd.     One 
tradition  says  that  his  vessel  was  taken  up  the  Hudson  and 
sunk  with  its  valuable  cargo  at  the  foot  of  the  Highlands. 
The  general  opinion,  however,  points  to  Long  Island  Sound 

execution.  With  whom  did  Sloughter  make  a  treaty?  By  whom  was  he  succeeded? 
What  was  Fletcher's  character?  In  what  did  he  mainly  employ  himself ?  To  whom 
did  Fletcher  give  place  ?  What  was  included  in  Bellamont's  charter  ?  212.  Shortly 
before  this,  who  had  become  notorious?  What  was  Kidd's  early  history?  What  led 
him  and  his  men  to  turn  pirates?  After  accumulating  a  large  amount  of  treasure,  what 
islands  did  Kidd  make  for  ?  Where  did  he  then  go  ?  What  action  was  taken  by  Bella 
mont  ?  What  became  of  Kidd  ?  What  did  he  declare  to  the  last  ?  213.  What  attempts 


1090]  SOUTH    CAROLINA   UNDER   SOTHEL.  143 

as  the  place,  and  a  box  known  to  have  belonged  to  the  pi 
rates  was  actually  found  on  Gardiner's  Island,  containing  750 
ounces  of  gold  and  847  ounces  of  silver,  besides  other  valu 
ables.  The  balance  of  Kidd's  ill-gotten  gains  have  been 
diligently  sought  for  by  treasure-hunters,  but  in  vain.  A 
small  island  in  the  Sound,  visible  from  the  Connecticut  shore, 
is  still  known  as  "  Kidd's  Island".  A  cave  is  shown  whero 
the  pirates  are  said  to  have  slept,  and  a  deep  hollow  in  a 
rock  is  called  "  Kidd's  punch-bowl".  Throughout  the  whole 
neighborhood,  according  to  the  old  song, 

"  Ever  since  the  days  of  Captain  Kidd, 
The  Yankees  think  there's  money  hid." 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA  FROM  1690  TO  1700. 

214.  AFTER  Colleton  was  deposed  in  South  Carolina,  Soth'- 
el,  one  of  the  proprietaries  and  a  man  of  the  people's  choice, 
was  appointed  governor.  Though  his  administration  was 
distinguished  by  some  wise  measures,  such  as  the  admission 
of  Huguenots  to  the  privileges  of  citizens,  it  was  on  the  whole 
unsatisfactory ;  and,  threatened  with  legal  proceedings,  Soth- 
el  deemed  it  best  to  withdraw.  His  successors  tried  in  vain 
to  reconcile  the  differences  between  the  people  and  the  pro 
prietaries.  It  was  not  till  1695,  when  the  government  fell 
into  the  hands  of  an  honest  Quaker  named  Archdale,  in 
whom  all  parties  had  confidence,  that  harmony  was  restored 
and  prosperity  revived.  Archdale  made  a  treaty  with  the 
Spaniards  of  St.  Augustine,  the  sincerity  of  which  was  proved 
by  mutual  acts  of  kindness.  There  was  now  nothing  to  check 

have  been  repeatedly  made  ?  Where  is  it  thought  the  treasure  was  buried  ?  "What  was 
found  on  Gardiner's  Island  ?  Where  is  "  Kidd's  Island"  ?  What  are  still  shown  ?  What 
does  an  old  sons  say? 

214  After  Colleton's  deposition,  who  was  appointed  governor  of  South  Carolina? 
"What  course  did  he  pursue?  Why  did  he  resign?  What  is  said  of  his  successors? 
Who  was  at  last  made  governor  ?  With  whom  did  he  conclude  a  treaty  ?  What  was 


14:4:  FRENCH    SETTLEMENTS    IN    THE    SOUTHWEST.        [l699 

the  growth  of  the  colony.  Scotland  and  New  England  both 
contributed  emigrants,  who  found  in  the  rich  soil  and  genial 
climate  of  Carolina  all  they  desired.  The  Church  of  England 
was  established  by  law,  but  other  sects  were  tolerated. 

215.  Rice  was  first  raised  in  1696,  from  seed  sent  to  Arch- 
dale  from  Madagascar.  The  attempt  had  been  previously 
made,  but  without  success.  In  1698,  it  was  first  exported, 
16  casks  being  sent  to  England. 

The  cultivation  of  cotton  in  America  commenced  at  James 
town,  in  1621 ;  but,  not  proving  profitable,  it  was  abandoned. 
In  1702,  both  cotton  and  silk  were  produced  in  South  Caro 
lina.  The  importance  of  the  former  was  hardly  appreciated 
till  a  century  later. 


CHAPTER   XXV. 

FRENCH  SETTLEMENTS  IN  THE  SOUTHWEST. CHICKASAW  WAR. 

216.  THOUGH  La  Salle  had  taken  possession  of  Louisiana 
in  behalf  of  France,  the  Spanish  also  claimed  it  under  the 
discoveries  of  Ponce  de  Leon  and  De  Soto.  Resolved  to 
secure  a  region  whose  future  importance  he  foresaw,  the 
French  king,  immediately  after  the  peace  of  Ryswick,  sent 
out  a  company  under  D'Iberville  \de-bare-veel']  to  colonize 
the  country.  They  entered  "the  hidden  river"  in  1699. 
Disappointed  in  what  he  saw,  D'Iberville  thought  he  was 
mistaken  in  the  place,  till  the  Indians  brought  him  a  letter 
that  had  been  written  to  La  Salle  by  his  lieutenant,  which 
they  had  kept  with  superstitious  awe  for  thirteen  years.  He 
founded  Biloxi  \be-luk' -se],  and  in  1700,  ascending  the  river 
to  where  Natchez  now  stands,  selected  a  site  for  a  military 

the  condition  of  the  colony  at  this  time  ?  215.  When  was  rice  first  raised  ?  Where  did 
the  seed  come  from  ?  When  was  it  first  exported  ?  When  and  where  was  the  cultiva 
tion  of  cotton  commenced  ?  Where  were  cotton  and  silk  produced  in  1702?  How  long 
before  the  importance  of  cotton  was  appreciated  ? 

216.  Who  contested  the  French  claim  to  Louisiana?  On  what  grounds?  What  steps 
,1id  the  French  king  take  to  secure  the  country?  When  did  they  enter  the  Mississippi? 
What  did  D'Iberville  at  first  think  ?  What  convinced  him  that  he  was  in  the  right  spot ! 


1700J  THE   MISSISSIPPI    SCHEME.  145 

station  and  named  it  Fort  Rosalie  [ro-za-le'].  Thus  was  Mis 
sissippi  first  settled. 

D'Iberville  having  died,  the  king  of  France  in  1712  grant 
ed  Crozat  [cro-eah1]  a  monopoly  of  Louisiana  for  fifteen 
years.  Finding  no  mines  and*  disappointed  in  the  hope 
of  increasing  his  wealth,  in  five  years  he  surrendered 
the  colony  to  the  king,  leaving  in  it  only  seven  hundred 
so  ills. 

217.  The  next  thing  tried  for  the  advancement  of  French 
interests  in  Louisiana  was  the  grand  Mississippi  Scheme. 
John  Law,  a  ruined  gambler  from  Scotland,  devised  a  plan 
for  enriching  himself  and  his  partners  by  an  indefinite  issue 
of  paper  money.     A  company  was  formed  in  Paris,  which 
obtained  the  sole  right  of  coining  money,  and  of  trading  with 
Asia,  Canada,  and  the  Mississippi  valley.     When  the  paper 
circulation  was  over  8200,000,000,  Law  was  made  Minister 
of  Finance.     He  kept  up  the  value  of  his  bills  by  ordering 
that  any  one  who  sought  to  exchange  Mississippi  money  for 
silver  should  forfeit  both.    It  was  thought  that  untold  wealth 
would  be  amassed,  and  the  stock  rose  to  nearly  twenty  times 
its  nominal  value.     But  soon  the  bubble  burst;   in  May, 
1720,  the  notes  were  worth  only  ten  cents  on  a  dollar  and 
the  company  was  bankrupt.     Thousands  were  ruined,  and 
Louisiana  gained  nothing  from  this  grand  delusion. 

218.  In  1718,  more  French  colonists  were  sent  over;  a 
city  was  laid  out  with  much  ceremony  and  named  New  Or 
leans  after  the  Duke  of  Orleans,  then  regent.     For  several 
years  it  grew  but  little ;  huts  were  put  up  without  order; 
and  the  people  who  had  been  sent  to  build  a  city  encamped 
on  its  borders,  as  an  old  historian  tells  us,  "waiting  for 
houses".     The  proprietors  of  the  colony  introduced  the  cul 
ture  of  tobacco,  indigo,  rice,  and  silk,  and  opened  the  lead 
mines  of  Missouri  in  their  search  for  silver ;  but,  finding  that 

What  places  did  he  found?  Who,  in  1712,  obtained  a  monopoly  of  Louisiana?  How 
loug  did  lie  retain  it?  What  was  then  the  population  of  the  colony?  217.  What  was 
next  tried  for  promoting  French  interests  in  Louisiana?  Who  originated  the  Mississippi 
Scheme?  Give  an  account  of  it.  How  did  it  result?  218.  What  city  was  laid  out  in 
1718?  After  whom  was  it  named?  What  was  its  condition  for  several  years?  What 
did  the  colonists  try  to  raise  ?  What  mines  did  they  open  ?  Notwithstanding  this,  what 

7 


146  THE   CHICKASAW   WAR.  [l739 

they  were  losing  money,  they  surrendered  their  privileges 
to  the  crown. 

Meanwhile  the  Frenchmen  at  Fort  Rosalie  had  required 
the  high-spirited  Natchez,  "the  children  of  the  sun,"  to  give 
up  their  ancient  city,  that  it  might  be  turned  into  a  planta 
tion.  Fired  by  this  injustice,  and  incited  by  the  Chickasaws, 
the  Natchez,  in  1729,  fell  on  the  fort,  and  put  to  death  all  it 
contained,  except  the  women  and  children,  and  two  me 
chanics.  Early  in  the  following  year,  a  party  of  French 
from  New  Orleans  revenged  this  massacre.  The  Natchez 
were  almost  exterminated.  Such  of  the  survivors  as  were 
not  sold  into  slavery  in  St.  Domingo,  sought  refuge  with 
other  tribes,  and  lost  their  very  name. 

219.  The  French  did  not  forget  the  part  the  Chickasaws 
had  acted,  and  in  1736  the  forces  of  Ne^v  France  were  or 
dered  to  concentrate  in  the  Chickasaw  country.  D'Arta- 
guette  \dar-ta-g et'\  governor  of  Illinois,  with  the  young  and 
accomplished  Vincennes  [vin-senz'],  descended  the  river  at 
the  head  of  a  few  French  and  about  a  thousand  Indians. 
Not  daring  to  wait  for  the  army  from  New  Orleans,  on  ac 
count  of  the  impatience  of  his  red  allies,  D'Artaguette  at 
tacked  the  foe ;  but,  after  carrying  two  of  their  posts,  he  fell 
mortally  wounded  in  storming  a  third.  The  Indians  fled, 
leaving  the  two  French  leaders  in  the  enemies'  hands.  Five 
days  afterwards,  Bienville  [be-ang-veel'~\  made  his  appearance 
from  below ;  but  the  Chickasaws  were  now  strongly  fortified 
by  the  aid  of  English  traders,  and  his  assaults  were  repulsed. 
"Within  three  days  a  retreat  was  ordered.  The  invaders 
threw  their  cannon  into  the  river,  and  started  for  home; 
and  the  Red  Men  celebrated  their  victory  by  burning  D'Ar 
taguette,  Vincennes,  and  the  rest  of  their  prisoners,  at  the 
stake. 

A  similar  attempt  was  made  by  the  French  in  1739 ;  but 

did  they  find  it  best  to  do  ?  Meanwhile,  what  had  taken  place  at  Fort  Rosalie  ?  How 
did  the  French  revenge  this  massacre?  What  became  of  the  few  Natchez  that  sur 
vived?  219.  What  tribe  had  incited  the  Natchez  against  the  French?  How  did  the 
Frcuch  seek  to  punish  them?  Give  the  history  of  D'Artaguette's  expedition.  Ot 
Bicnville's.  How. did  the  Chickasaws  celebrate  their  victory  ?  What  was  the  result 
of  a  similar  expedition  in  1789?  After  this,  how  long  did  Louisiana  remain  tranquil  ? 


1739]  QUEEN    ANNE?S    WAR.  147 

the  loss  of  many  of  their  soldiers  by  disease,  led  them  to  con 
clude  a  peace  with  the  Chickasaws.  After  this,  Louisiana 
remained  tranquil  till  its  cession  to  Spain  in  1762. 


CHAPTER   XXVI. 

QUEEN  ANNE'S  WAR. 

220.  THE  peace  of  Ryswick  did  not  remain  long  in  force. 
Jealous  of  the  increasing  power  of  the  Bourbon  family,  Wil 
liam  III.,   early  in   the   eighteenth  century,  declared  war 
against  France  and  Spam,  which  were  both  at  the  time 
under  Bourbon  princes.    Dying  soon  after,  William  was  suc 
ceeded  by  Queen  Anne,  whose  name  has  been  given  to  the 
war  which  followed.     In  the  new  world,  hostilities  were 
commenced  in  South  Carolina.     Gov.  Moore  attacked  the 
Spanish  at  St.  Augustine  [see  Map,  p.  151],  in  the  autumn 
of  1702.     He  took  the  town  without   difficulty,  but  the 
Spanish  bravely  defended  the  castle,  and  sent  a  messenger 
to  the  French  commander  at  Mobile  to  come  to  their  aid. 
Two  Spanish  vessels  soon  appeared  on  the  Florida  coast,  and 
Moore  was  obliged  to  abandon  his  stores  and  retreat.     Un 
able  to  pay  the  expenses  thus  incurred,  the  authorities  of 
South  Carolina  issued  bills  of  credit,  or  paper  money. 

221.  Another  expedition,  undertaken  soon  after  against 
the  Indian  allies  of  the  Spanish  and  French  on  Ap-a-lach'-ee 
Bay  [see  Map,  p.  10],  was  more  successful.     St.  Marks  and 
other  villages  were  burned,  a  number  of  prisoners  were  taken, 
and  several  tribes  submitted,  and  wrere  received  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  Carolina. 

222.  In  1706,  a  French  fleet  from  Havana  made  an  attack 


220.  How  did  William  III.  feel  towards  the  Bourbons  ?  What  did  this  feeling  lead 
him  to  do  ?  What  is  the  war  called,  and  why  ?  In  the  new  world,  where  were  hostili 
ties  commenced  ?  Give  an  account  of  Gov.  Moore's  expedition,  llow  did  the  authori 
ties  of  S.  C.  meet  its  expenses?  221.  Against  whom  was  the  next  expedition  under 
taken  ?  What  was  its  result?  [See  Map,  p.  10.— Where  is  Apalachee  Bay  ?  What  In 
dians  lived  north  of  It?  What  tribe,  east?  In  what  direction  did  the  South  Carolinians 
have  to  go,  to  reach  Apalachee  Bay  ?]  222.  What  movement  was  made  by  the  French 


148  BURNING   OF   DEEKFIELD.  [l700 

on  Charleston,  which  was  successfully  resisted  by  the  people, 
without  aid  from  the  proprietaries.  Three  hundred  French 
men  were  killed  or  taken  prisoners  in  trying  to  effect  a  land 
ing,  and  one  of  their  ships  was  captured. 

223.  In  the  mean  time,  the  Indians  of  Maine  and  New 
Hampshire,  who  were  in  the  interest  of  the  French,  after 
lulling  the  fears  of  the  English  by  declaring  that  '  the  sun 
was  not  more  distant  from  the  earth  than  their  thoughts 
from  war',  suddenly  fell  upon  the  frontier  settlements,  made 
a  general  massacre,  and  retired  beyond  the  reach  of  pursuit. 
In  the  course  of  the  winter,  they  assailed  Deerfield,  in  north 
ern  Massachusetts  [see  Map,  p.  111].  This  place  was  sur 
rounded  by  palisades,  and  guarded  nightly  by  sentinels.  On 
the  last  day  of  February,  1704,  a  party  of  French  and  In 
dians,  after  a  toilsome  march  from  Canada  on  the  crust  of 
the  snow,  approached  the  town.  Just  before  dawn,  while 
the  sentinels  were  absent  from  their  posts,  they  effected  an 
entrance,  the  snow  having  drifted  against  the  palisades,  and 
rendered  them  useless  as  a  defence.  The  town  was  soon  in 
flames.  Forty-seven  of  the  inhabitants  were  killed,  and  112 
made  prisoners.  The  latter,  during  the  march  to  Canada, 
suffered  intensely  from  cold  and  hunger.  Not  a  few  sunk 
by  the  wayside  under  the  accumulated  horrors  of  the  jour 
ney,  and  welcomed  the  savage  tomahawk  which  ended  their 
sorrows. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

SETTLEMENT     OF     GEORGIA. 

224.  THE  pleasant  region  west  of  the  Savannah,  though 
claimed  by  England,  remained  unsettled  for  years  after 
Carolina  had  become  a  flourishing  colony.  At  last  James 

in  1706?     How  did  it  result?     223.  By  whom  were  the  frontier  settlements  of  the 
English  attacked  ?    What  village  was  assailed  ?     [See  Map,  p.  111.— Near  what  river  is 
Deerfield  ?]    Give  an  account  of  the  attack  on  Deerfield.     How  many  of  the  inhabitants 
were  killed  and  made  prisoners?     What  befell  the  latter? 
224.  Who  was  the  first  to  coloiii/.e  Georgia  ?    For  whose  benefit  did  he  do  it?    In 


1733] 


SETTLEMENT   OF   GEORGIA. 


149 


Oglethorpe  \o' -gel-tliorp\,  a  benevolent  member  of  Parlia 
ment,  who  had  visited  the  prisons  of  the  kingdom  and 
restored  to  freedom  hundreds  of  unfortunate  men  confined 
for  debt  and  small  offences,  proposed  to  establish  in  this 
part  of  America  a  colony  for  the  poor  and  helpless.  In 
1732,  he  obtained  a  charter  from  George  II.,  in  whose  honor 
the  new  colony  was  called  GEORGIA.  The  next  year,  Ogle 
thorpe  with  his  first  company  of  emigrants  reached  the 
Savannah  and  selected  a  site  for  a  city. 


OOLKTHOKPE  AND  THE  MU8COQEE  CHIEF. 

The  surrounding  region  was  owned  by  a  small  band  of 
Muscogees,  whose  chief  received  the  strangers  kindly  and 
presented  Oglethorpe  a  buffalo  skin  adorned  on  the  inside 
with  the  head  and  feathers  of  an  eagle.  "  The  feathers  of 
the  eagle,"  said  he,  "  are  soft  and  signify  love.  The  buffalo 
skin  is  warm  and  is  the  emblem  of  protection.  Therefore 
love  and  protect  our  little  families."  Other  Muscogee  war- 

what  philanthropic  movement  had  Oglethorpe  previously  engaged?  From  whom  was 
Georgia  named  ?  On  what  river  did  Oglethorpe  choose  a  site  for  his  city  ?  By  whom 
was  the  surrounding  region  owned?  What  passed  between  Oglethorpe  and  the  Mas- 


150  SETTLEMENT   OF   GEORGIA.  [l733 

riors  hastened  to  welcome  tlie  English.  "  The  Great  Spirit," 
said  one,  "  who  dwells  everywhere  and  gives  breath  to  all 
men,  has  sent  the  English  to  instruct  us."  Oglethorpe  was 
not  insensible  to  their  kindness,  and  sought  to  repay  it  by 
sending  Moravian  missionaries  among  them. 

225.  Early  in  1733,  the  city  of  Savannah  was  founded. 
The  streets  were  regularly  laid  out ;  the  houses  were  built 
of  uniform  size,  and  surrounded  with  gardens  of  fruit  and 
vegetables.    Encouraged  even  beyond  his  expectations,  Ogle 
thorpe  returned  to  England  for  more  emigrants.     A  com 
pany  of  Scottish  mountaineers  were  sent   over  under  his 
auspices,  and  made  a  settlement  at  Darien.     The  governor 
himself  returned  in  1736,  accompanied  by  John  and  Charles 
Wes'-ley.     The  former  came  with  the  determination  to  con 
vert  the  Indians  and  make  Georgia  a  religious  colony ;  but 
within  two  years  he  returned  to  England,  and  subsequently 
became  distinguished  as  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Methodist 
church.     Another  noted   divine,   the   eloquent  Whitefield 
\whitf -fiM\,  passed  some  years  in  the  colony,  and  established 
an  orphan  asylum  at  Savannah,  where  he  preached  with  great 
success. 

226.  Feeling  the  necessity   of  defences  on  the   south, 
Oglethorpe  built  a  fort  on  St.  Simon's  Island,  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Altamaha  \cd4ar4na-hah'],  and  fixed  on  the  St.  John's 
River  as  the  southern  boundary  of  the  English  possessions. 
The  Spanish  regarded  this  as  an  encroachment   on  their 
territory,  and  detained  the  messengers  of  the  English  gov 
ernor  as  prisoners.     Oglethorpe  at  once  prepared  for  war. 
His  Indian  friends  hastened  to  his  aid.    The  Uchees  marched 
to  Savannah   in  their  proudest  war-paint,  and  joined  the 
no  less  valiant  bands  of  Muscogees  that  had  there  assem- 


cogeo  chiefs?  How  did  Oglethorpe  seek  to  repay  their  kindness  ?  225.  In  what  year 
was  Savannah  founded  ?  Describe  the  city  in  its  infancy.  For  what  did  Oglethorpo 
return  to  England?  Where  did  the  next  emigrants  come  from?  Where  did  they 
settle?  Who  accompanied  Oglethorpe  to  Georgia  in  1736?  What  church  was  after 
wards  founded  by  John  Wesley  ?  What  other  noted  divine  passed  some  years  in 
Georgia?  Where  did  Oglethorpe  build  a  fort?  [See  Map.— Where  is  St.  Simon's 
Island  ?  What  place  is  upon  it  ?  What  Indian  tribe  east  of  the  Savannah  ?  On  which 
bank  of  the  Savannah  Kiver  is  Savannah  ?  Where  is  Darien  ?  Where  is  St.  Augustine  ? 


1736J 


DIFFICULTIES   WITH   THE   SPANISH. 


151 


bled.  Wise  nego 
tiations,  however, 
for  a  time  put  an 
end  to  the  diffi 
culty. 

In  1739,  Eng 
land  declared  war 
against  Spain,  and 
Oglethorpe  un 
dertook  an  expe 
dition  against  St. 
Augustine.  It  fail 
ed,  on  account  of 
the  strength  ol 
the  place  and  the 
prostration  of  the 
invaders  by  sick 
ness.  In  1 742,  the 
Spanish  became 
the  assailants,  and 
a  strong  fleet  ap 
peared  before  St. 

Simon's.  Ogle-  OEOKGIA  AND  TUB  VICINITY  IN  1740. 

thorpe  had  but  a  small  force,  and  was  in  danger  of  being 
cut  off;  but  by  cunningly  making  his  enemies  believe  that 
British  ships  were  expected  and  that  an  attack  was  to  be 
made  on  St.  Augustine  during  their  absence,  he  frightened 
them  into  a  retreat. 

227.  In  1743,  Oglethorpe  went  back  to  England,  nor  did 
he  ever  revisit  his  colony.  His  labors  in  its  behalf  had  been 
entirely  disinterested ;  no  part  of  the  large  grant  obtained 


What  Island  is  near  it?  What  river  forms  part  of  the  present  boundary  between 
Georgia  and  Florida?]  What  river  did  Oglethorpe  fix  on  as  the  boundary  between 
Georgia  and  Florida  ?  How  did  the  Spanish  regard  this  ?  How  did  they  treat  the  Eng 
lish  messengers?  What  did  Oglethorpe  do?  Who  hastened  to  his  aid?  What  for  a 
time  put  an  end  to  the  difficulty?  When  was  it  revived  ?  In  what  did  Oglethorpc's 
expedition  against  St  Augustine  result?  How  did  the  Spaniards  retaliate  in  1742? 
flow  did  Oglethorpe  save  himself?  227.  In  1743,  what  did  Oglethorpe  do?  What  evi 
dence  is  there  that  his  labors  were  disinterested?  What  was  the  condition  of  the  colo- 


152  KING  GEORGE'S  WAR.  [1743 

through  his  influence  did  he  keep  for  himself  or  his  family, 
Notwithstanding  his  efforts,  the  colony  had  hardly  yet  be 
gun  to  "prosper.  Except  in  the  Moravian  settlements,  where 
indigo  was  raised  and  10,000  pounds  of  silk  were  produced 
annually,  but  little  attention  was  paid  to  agriculture.  The 
settlers  complained  of  a  clause  in  their  charter  which  pro 
hibited  slavery,  and  the  trustees  at  length  found  it  expedient 
to  disregard  the  regulations  on  this  subject.  Slave  labor 
became  common,  and  agriculture  began  to  flourish.  In  1752, 
the  trustees  resigned  their  charter  to  the  king.  The  liber 
ties  of  the  people  were  extended ;  and,  when  the  cession  of 
Florida  to  the  English  rendered  the  frontier  secure,  nothing 
remained  to  interfere  with  the  prosperity  of  Georgia. 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

KING  GEORGE'S  WAR,  1744  TO  1748. 

228.  As  the  new  world  increased  in  population,  it  became 
evident  that  the  conflicting  claims  of  France  and  England 
would  have  to  be  settled  by  force  of  arms.  No  boundary 
line  had  yet  been  drawn  between  their  possessions  on  the 
north  or  west.  The  English  based  their  claim  chiefly  on  the 
Indian  titles  which  they  had  purchased.  To  secure  such  fur 
ther  rights  to  the  soil  as  the  Indians  retained,  commissioners 
from  Virginia  and  Maryland,  with  the  governor  of  Pennsyl 
vania,  met  the  Iroquois  chiefs  in  1744  ;  and  bought,  for  £200 
in  gold  and  a  like  amount  in  goods,  their  title  to  "  all  lands 
that  are  or  by  his  majesty's  appointment  shall  be  within  the 
colony  of  Virginia". 


ny?  What  were  produced  in  the  Moravian  settlements?  What  is  said  of  agriculture 
in  other  parts  of  the  colony?  Of  what  did  the  settlers  complain?  What  did  the  trust 
ees  find  it  expedient  to  do?  After  this,  what  is  said  of  the  agricultural  interests  of  the 
colony?  What  took  place  in  1752  ? 

228.  What  difficulties  arose  between  the  French  and  English  ?    On  what  did  the 
English  base  their  claim  ?     How  did  they  seek  to  strengthen  it  ?    How  did  the  French 


174:4:] 


LOUISBCKG    ATTACKED. 


153 


The  French  view 
ed  this  movement 
with  distrust,  and 
lost  no  time  in  com 
mencing  hostilities. 
An  English  garrison 
at  Can'-so,  on  the 
eastern  point  of  No 
va  Scotia,  was  cap 
tured,  and  eighty 
prisoners  were  con 
veyed  to  Louisburg, 
one  of  the  chief 
strongholds  of  the 
French  in  the  new 
world.  These  men 
were  afterwards  al 
lowed  to  return  to 
Boston,  and  the  in 
formation  they  gave 
respecting  the  forti- 

r.  3  .        CAPE   BRETON   AND   THE  ADJACENT   PARTS  OF  NOVA  SCOTIA. 

fications  of  Louis- 
burg  led  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  to  undertake  an 
expedition  against  that  post.  An  army  of  3,800  men  waa 
raised,  and  placed  under  the  command  of  Sir  William  Pep'- 
per-ell.  This  force  consisted  of  a  strange  medley.  Hunters, 
farmers,  mechanics,  and  clergymen,  formed  into  line  by  the 
side  of  well-trained  veterans. 

General  Pepperell's  force  soon  reached  Louisburg,  and 
commenced  operations  by  attacking  a  battery  of  thirty  guns 
on  the  shore.  It  was  speedily  carried.  The  enemy  had 
spiked  the  cannon  to  render  them  useless  to  their  assailants ; 
but  a  North-amp'-ton  gunsmith  drilled  out  the  touch-holes, 


view  this  movement  ?  What  English  post  did  they  attack  ?  [See  Map.— Where  is  Capo 
Canso  ?  What  bay  is  north  of  it  ?  "What  bays  does  Canso  Strait  connect  ?  What  gulf 
nearly  divides  Cape  Breton  ?  Where  is  Louisburg  ?  What  bay  is  near  it  ?]  What  be 
came  of  the  prisoners  taken  at  Canso  ?  What  did  their  statements  lead  the  legislature 
of  Massachusetts  to  do  ?  Describe  the  force  that  was  raised.  How  was  the  place  de- 

7* 


154:         COMMENCEMENT    OF    WASHINGTON'S    CAREER.        [  174:5 

and  they  were  soon  playing  upon  their  former  masters.  The 
efforts  of  the  New  Englanders  were  next  directed  against 
the  fort,  which  well  deserved  its  reputation  for  strength. 
Its  massive  walls  were  forty  feet  thick  at  the  base  and  about 
twenty-five  feet  high.  They  were  surrounded  by  a  deep 
ditch,  eighty  feet  in  width,  and  were  defended  by  nearly  200 
cannon  and  a  garrison  of  1,600  men.  After  a  siege  of  about 
six  weeks,  the  French  surrendered. 

229.  The  news  of  this  victory  was  received  at  Boston  with 
public  rejoicings.  The  people  felt  proud  of  having  struck  so 
important  a  blow  without  the  aid  of  the  mother  country. 
They  even  proposed  to  follow  up  their  success  with  an  inva 
sion  of  Canada ;  but  the  British  Ministry,  unwilling  to  en 
courage  the  military  power  of  the  colonies,  would  not  co 
operate  with  them,  and  the  scheme  was  abandoned.  The 
treaty  of  Aix  la  Chapelle  [ax  lah  sha-pel']  put  an  end  to  the 
war  in  1748.  According  to  its  provisions,  Louisburg  was 
restored  to  the  French,  and  the  brave  men  of  New  England 
were  thus  deprived  of  the  fruits  of  their  valor. 


CHAPTER    XXIX. 

COMMENCEMENT    OF   WASHINGTON'S   CAREER. 

230.  THE  peace  of  Aix  la  Chapelle  left  the  opposing  claims 
of  France  and  England  in  the  new  world  still  unsettled. 
While  the  states  of  Europe  were  discussing  the  terms  of  this 
treaty,  the  boy  who  was  to  decide  many  of  the  questions  it 
involved,  and  to  fix  the  destiny  of  America,  was  surveying 
wild  lands  and  running  boundary  lines  in  the  woods  of  Vir 
ginia.     This  boy  was  George  Washington. 

231.  Washington  was  bom  at  Pope's  Creek,  West-more '- 

fended?    How  long  did  the  garrison  hold  out?    229.  How  was  the  news  of  this  victory 
received  at  Boston  ?    "What  did  the  colonists  propose  to  do?    Why  did  not  the  British 
Ministry  favor  the  scheme  ?    What  treaty  put  an  end  to  the  war  ?    When  ?    By  its  pro- 
Visions,  what  disposition  was  made  of  Louisburg? 
280.  What  is  said  of  the  peace  of  Aix  la  Chapelle?     Where  was  Washington  born? 


1733J         HIS  PARENTAGE  AND  YOUTH.  155 

land  County,  Virginia,  on  the  llth  of  February  (the  22d  ac 
cording  to  "the  New  Style*),  1732.  He  sprung  from  an  an 
cient  family,  whose  original  name  was  Wes'-syng-ton.  Seve 
ral  of  his  ancestors  were  prominent  at  different  periods  of 
English  history,  and  his  great-grandfather,  who  emigrated  to 
America  in  1657,  had  led  the  forces  of  Virginia  against  the 
Indians.  His  father,  Augustine  Washington,  died  when  he 
was  eleven  years  old ;  his  mother  lived  to  see  him  the  head 
of  a  nation.  She  was  a  woman  of  extraordinary  powers,  and 
to  her  wise  and  high-toned  instructions  her  distinguished  son 
owed  much  of  that  intellectual  and  moral  excellence  which 
has  immortalized  his  name. 

At  school,  the  young  George  was  a  general  favorite.  He 
is  described  as  having  an  expressive  face,  a  rich  complexion, 
a  clear  blue  eye,  a  winning  smile,  and  an  erect,  athletic 
figure.  His  mind  was  as  vigorous  as  his  frame ;  and  in  ah1 
sports  and  exercises,  as  well  as  the  mimic  military  manoeuvres 
which  the  young  mountaineers  made  a  part  of  their  educa 
tion,  he  was  an  acknowledged  leader.  So,  in  his  studies  he 
was  surpassed  by  none.  Books,  containing  his  sums  and  ex 
ercises,  still  preserved,  show  that  care  and  precision  were 
even  at  this  early  period  marked  traits  of  his  character. 

At  sixteen,  Washington  was  a  proficient  in  geometry  and 
trigonometry.  Surveying  he  had  practically  applied  in  the 


*  "Washington  was  born  on  the  llth  of  February.  His  birthday  is 
celebrated  on  the  22d,  because  the  date  has  been  reduced  to  the  New- 
Style  of  chronology.  To  correct  an  error  occasioned  by  the  imperfect 
calendar  then  prevalent,  and  make  the  months  correspond  with  the 
seasons,  the  British  Parliament,  in  1752,  retrenched  eleven  days  in  Sep 
tember,  ordering  that  the  3d  of  that  month  should  pass  for  the  14th. 
Historians,  in  giving  the  dates  of  events  prior  to  that  time,  have  in  some 
cases,  as  in  that  of  Washington's  birthday,  conformed  them  to  the  New 
Style. 


When  ?  [See  Note.— What  is  meant  by  Old  and  New  Style  ?]  What  is  said  of  Wash- 
ington's  family?  What  have  we  already  learned  about  his  great-grandfather?  How 
old  was  Washington  when  his  father  died?  What  is  said  of  his  mother?  How  was 
the  young  George  regarded  at  school?  In  what  terms  is  fie  described  ?  What  are  still 
preserved?  At  sixteen,  in  what  was  Washington  a  proficient?  "Where  had  he  prac 


156 


COMMENCEMENT    OF   WASHINGTON'S    CAREEB. 


grounds  about  his 
school-house.  He 
was  familiar  even 
with  its  more  diffi 
cult  problems,  and 
made  his  calcula 
tions  with  ease  and 
accuracy.  About 
this  time,  his  broth 
er  Lawrence  invited 
him  to  his  estate  on 
the  Potomac,  called 
"  Mount  Yernon," 
in  memory  of  the 
English  admiral  of 

that  name.  Here  George  became  acquainted  with  Lord 
Fairfax,  an  extensive  land  proprietor,  who  employed  him  to 
survey  a  large  tract  on  the  south  branch  of  the  Potomac. 
The  opportunity  thus  afforded  of  perfecting  himself  in  the 
art  was  not  neglected.  In  this  romantic  region,  the  luxuri 
ance  of  nature  yielded  him  abundant  food  for  admiration, 
while  the  wild  beast  that  crossed  his  path,  and  the  wander 
ing  savage,  with  his  proud  paint  and  girdle  of  scalps,  proved 
the  depth  of  the  solitude.  A  little  straw,  or  a  heap  of  dry 
leaves,  by  the  camp-fire,  was  his  bed  at  night.  He  was 
"  himself  his  own  cook,  having  no  spit  but  a  forked  stick,  no 
plate  but  a  large  chip". 

232.  In  1749,  a  company,  which  included  Lawrence  and 
Augustine  Washington  among  its  members,  obtained  from 
the  English  crown  a  grant  of  500,000  acres  on  the  Ohio.  It 
was  called  the  Ohio  Company,  and  its  objects  were  to  trade 
with  the  Indians,  and  settle  the  country  west  of  the  Alle- 
ghanies.  But  in  this  the  French  had  a  voice.  The  valley  of 
the  Ohio  had  already  been  visited  by  their  agents,  who  had 

Used  surveying?  What  invitation  was  extended  to  him  about  this  time?  With 
whom  did  he  become  acquainted?  How  did  Lord  Fairfax  employ  him?  Describe 
the  region  in  which  he  was  thus  engaged.  232.  In  1749,  what  company  was  formed? 
tfat  7/bat  did  they  obtain  a  grant?  What  were  their  objects?  Who  had  a  voice  in  this 


lisa]  HIS    MISSION   TO   THE    FRENCH    FORTS.  157 

taken  possession  of  it  in  the  name  of  their  country,  and 
sought  to  make  friends  and  allies  of  its  Indian  occupants 
They  had  built  a  fort  at  Presq'  He  \jyres  keel],  now  Erie, 
and  in  1752  showed  what  course  they  intended  to  pursue  by 
breaking  up  a  British  post  on  the  Miami,  and  carrying  off  its 
occupants  to  Canada.  The  chief  of  the  Miami  confederacy, 
who  had  bravely  defended  the  English,  was  taken  prisoner, 
and  inhumanly  killed  and  eaten  by  the  savage  allies  of  the 
French. 

Alarmed  by  these  movements,  the  Shawnees,  Datawares, 
and  other  Ohio  Indians,  sent  the  brave  Half  King  to  Erie  to 
remonstrate  with  the  French  commissioners.  "  You  and  the 
English  are  white,"  said  he,  "  and  we  live  in  a  country  be 
tween  you.  The  land  belongs  to  neither  of  you.  The  Great 
Being  above  allowed  it  to  be  a  dwelling-place  for  us."  "  It 
is  my  land,"  answered  the  haughty  Frenchman ;  "  and  I  will 
have  it,  let  who  will  stand  up  against  it."  On  hearing  that 
the  Half  King's  mission  had  been  unsuccessful,  the  western 
tribes  quickly  sent  ambassadors  to  the  English  at  Carlisle 
[car-lilef])  Pennsylvania.  They  were  met  by  the  wise 
Franklin,  who  conciliated  them  with  gifts  and  promises  of 
protection. 

•^,233.  The  French  had  now  established  posts  at  Waterford 
and  Venango,  in  northwestern  Pennsylvania  ;  and  Governor 
Din-wid'-die,  of  Virginia,  determined  to  send  a  trusty  mes 
senger  to  the  commander  to  demand  the  reason  of  his  intru 
sion  on  English  territory.  Washington  was  selected,  at  the 
age  of  twenty-one,  for  this  important  mission.  Two  years 
before,  through  the  influence  of  Fairfax,  he  had  been  appoint 
ed  Adjutant-general. 

On  the  31st  of  October,  1753,  Washington  left  Williams- 
burg,  the  capital  of  Virginia.  After  twenty-four  days  of 
diligent  and  fatiguing  travel,  he  reached  the  place  where 
Pittsburg  now  stands,  and  was  struck  with  the  military  and 


matter?  "Whore  had  the  French  built  a  fort?  "What  course  did  they  pursue  ?  What 
was  done  to  the  Miami  chief?  Give  an  account  of  the  interview  between  the  Indiau 
ambassador  and  the  French  authorities  at  Erie.  What  did  the  Indians  next  do  ?  By 
'?hoin  were  they  met  at  Carlisle  ?  233.  Where  had  the  French  established  posts  ?  [See 


158          COMMENCEMENT    OF    WASHINGTON'S    CAREER.       [l753 


VALLEY  OF  THE   OHIO  IN  1750. 

("Washington's  Eoute  from  Williamsburg,  Va.,  to  the  French  forts  is  denoted  thus  ) 

commercial  advantages  of  the  position.  At  Logstown  he 
held  a  friendly  conference  with  the  Indians,  who  declared 
themselves  firm  friends  of  his  nation ;  and  thence,  with  the 
Half  King  and  other  chiefs,  he  proceeded  to  Venango.  Here 
he  obtained  no  satisfaction.  The  commander  boastfully  de 
clared  that  his  nation  intended  seizing  on  the  whole  of  the 

Map.— Where  were  these  posts?  On  what  water  was  Presq1  lie?  Where  is  the  Miami 
River?  At  the  junction  of  what  two  rivers  is  Pittsburg?  What  place  was  a  few  miles 
lower  down,  on  the  Ohio?]  On  what  did  Gov.  Dinwiddie  resolve?  Who  was  selected 
for  this  mission  ?  How  old  was  ho  ?  What  rank  did  he  hold  ?  When  did  Washington 
start!  Describe  his  route.  What  took  place  at  Logstown?  Where  did  Washington 


1753J  HIS   RETURN   FROM   THE   FRENCH   FORTS.  159 

Ohio  valley.  No  course  was  left  the  young  ambassador  but 
to  go  on  to  Waterford ;  and  this  he  did  through  mire  and 
swamp,  and  across  rivers  rendered  almost  impassable  by  the 
rains  and  snows  of  December.  He  found  the  fort  strongly 
defended.  Many  pine  boats  and  bark  canoes  were  in  readi 
ness  for  the  contemplated  expedition  in  the  spring.  St. 
Pierre  \jpeer\,  the  commandant  of  the  post,  sought  not  to 
disguise  his  intentions.  He  was  there,  he  said,  by  the  orders 
of  his  general,  and  according  to  those  orders  he  should  de 
stroy  every  English  post  on  the  Ohio.  Unable  to  shake  his 
resolution,  Washington  prepared  to  go  back ;  but  his  Indian 
companions  had  been  so  wrought  upon  with  threats,  flatter 
ies,  and  rum,  that  the  Half  King  alone  remained  faithful 
St.  Pierre  tried  every  means  to  detain  the  Red  Men  and  win 
them  over  from  the  English ;  it  was  only  by  skilful  manage 
ment  that  Washington  baffled  his  efforts. 

The  home  journey  was  full  of  dangers  and  difficulties. 
Intense  cold  and  violent  storms  set  in.  The  horses  having 
become  disabled,  it  was  found  necessary  to  go  afoot,  while 
the  labor  of  walking  was  greatly  increased  by  the  deep  snow 
with  which  the  ground  was  covered.  The  streams  were 
swollen,  and  to  cross  them  amid  the  drifting  ice  was  toilsome 
and  perilous.  The  life  of  the  youthful  hero  seems  to  have 
been  preserved  almost  miraculously.  At  one  time,  he  was 
fired  upon  at  a  distance  of  fifteen  paces  by  an  Indian  in  am 
bush  ;  at  another,  he  was  jerked  from  a  rude  raft  into  the 
angry  waters  of  the  Alleghany.  Yet  amid  these  dangers,  he 
was  saved  for  greater  things. 

Seldom  has  so  important  a  mission  been  intrusted  to  one 
so  young,  and  never  was  mission  more  faithfully  performed. 
Washington  could  not  induce  the  French  to  abandon  their 
claim  to  the  Ohio  valley ;  but  he  learned  all  that  his  gov 
ernment  wanted  to  know  respecting  their "  designs  and  the 
strength  of  the  forts  he  visited.  Through  deserters  from 
New  Orleans,  he  gained  much  valuable  information  concern- 
then  go  ?  Give  an  account  of  his  Interview  with  the  French  commandants  at  Vennngo 
oiid  Waterford.  Who  had  accompanied  him  ?  On  preparing  to  return,  what  did  Wash 
ington  find  had  been  done  to  his  companions?  Describe  the  homo  journey.  "What  dan- 


160  FRENCH    AND    INDIAN    WAR. 

ing  the  French  posts  on  the  Mississippi:  and  during  the 
whole  expedition  he  conducted  himself  with  a  discretion  and 
gallantry  which  gave  high  promise  of  future  usefulness.  \s 


, 


CHAPTER    XXX. 

COMMENCEMENT    OF   THE   FRENCH    AND    INDIAN   WAR. 


!34.  THE  report  of  Washington  roused  the  colonists  to 
action.  In  accordance  with  his  recommendation,  the  Ohio 
company  commenced  the  construction  of  a  fort  at  the  junc 
tion  of  the  Alleghany  and  the  Monongahela,  on  the  present 
site  of  Pittsburg ;  and  Gov.  Dinwiddie  dispatched  a  body  of 
men  to  protect  the  laborers.  The  death  of  their  colonel  on 
the  march  threw  the  command  into  the  hands  of  Washing 
ton.  The  progress  of  the  party  through  the  heavy  roads  of 
the  wilderness  was  necessarily  slow ;  and,  before  they  had 
performed  half  the  journey,  the  unfinished  work,  together 
with  thirty-three  men  engaged  on  it,  was  taken  by  the 
French.  The  latter  went  on  with  the  building,  and  speedily 
erected  a  strong  fortress,  which  they  called  Du  Quesne  [die 
Jcanef]  after  the  new  governor  of  Canada. 

This  placed  the  Indian  allies  of  the  English  in  a  critical 
position.  The  Half  King  sent  an  express  to  Washington, 
imploring  him  to  come  to  their  aid.  This  he  was  doing,  as 
fast  as  he  could  cut  roads  and  drag  over  them  the  cannon 
and  powder  that  had  been  designed  for  the  new  fort.  On 
some  parts  of  the  route,  a  day's  march  carried  him  no  more 
than  a  couple  of  miles.  When  within  a  short  distance  of  the 
French,  he  hastily  constructed  a  stockade,  to  which  he  gave 
the  appropriate  name  of  Fort  Necessity,  throwing  up  with 

gers  did  Washington  encounter  ?    "What  is  said  of  this  mission  ?    How  was  it  performed  ? 
What  information  did  Washington  obtain? 

284.  What  was  the  effect  of  Washington's  report?  Where  was  a  fort  commenced? 
What  measures  were  taken  for  the  protection  of  the  laborers?  How  were  these  meas 
ures  defeated  ?  What  did  the  French  do  with  the  unfinished  fort  ?  What  was  now  the 
situation  of  the  Indian  allies  of  the  English  ?  What  message  did  Washington  receive  ? 
Describe  his  inarch.  What  fort  did  he  build  ?  Whom  did  he  soon  meet  ?  What  was 


1754]  WASHINGTON   SURPRISES   THE   FRENCH.  161 

his  own  hands  the  first  shovelful  of  earth.  This  done,  he 
continued  his  march,  and  soon  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting 
the  faithful  Half  King.  A  council  is  held.  The  chief  an 
nounces  that  the  French  are  near  at  hand  in  strong  force, 
lying  in  wait  for  the  wearied  Virginians.  A  night  attack  is 
forthwith  concerted.  The  trail  of  the  enemy  is  found,  and 
leads  Washington  and  his  companions,  in' Indian  file,  through 
the  impenetrable  darkness  of  a  rainy  night,  to  a  camp  con 
cealed  among  the  rocks,  where  they  are  resting  in  fancied 
security.  Suddenly  alarmed,  the  French  rush  to  their  guns ; 
but  at  the  instant  Washington  orders  his  men  to  "  Fire !" 
and  discharges  his  own  musket.  Hardly  for  fifteen  minutes 
is  the  contest  protracted.  Jumonville  \zhoo-mong-veel'],  the 
French  leader,  is  slain,  with  nine  of  his  comrades,  and  twenty- 
one  prisoners  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  English. 

Washington  had  expected  reinforcements,  as  well  from 
the  colonies  as  from  the  friendly  Indians  of  Ohio.  Messen 
gers  were  sent  to  hasten  their  arrival ;  but  only  one  company 
came,  and  they  proved  rather  an  encumbrance  than  an  aid, 
their  commander  foolishly  claiming  precedence  of  the  colonial 
leader  because  he  held  his  commission  from  the  king.  With 
anxiety  Washington  heard  that  the  French  were  concen 
trating  around  him,  and  at  last  he  fell  back  on  Fort  Neces 
sity.  Here  his  little  band  was  besieged  by  600  Frenchmen 
and  100  Indians.  After  a  severe  fight,  which  lasted  nine 
hours,  the  French,  though  they  had  gained  decided  advan 
tages,  proposed  a  parley,  and  agreed  that  Washington  and 
his  men  should  march  out  with  the  honors  of  war,  retaining 
their  stores  and  baggage.  On  the  evacuation  of  this  post 
(1754),  no  English  flag  waved  west  of  the  Alleghanies. 

235.  Meanwhile  the  necessity  of  united  action  on  the  part 
of  all  the  English  colonies  had  become  obvious.  A  meeting 
of  delegates  from  Virginia  and  every  colony  north  of  the 


tho  result  of  their  interview  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle.  How  many  were  slain 
and  captured?  Whence  had  Washington  expected  reinforcements ?  How  many  com 
panies  arrived?  What  is  said  of  it?  What  awakened  Washington's  anxiety?  What 
was  he  compelled  to  do  ?  By  how  many  French  and  Indians  was  he  besieged  ?  Give 
an  account  of  the  siege  and  its  result  235.  What  important  meeting  was  held  in 


162  FRENCH   AND    INDIAN    WAR.  [1154 

Potomac  was  held  at  Albany  in  June,  1754.  One  of  the 
leading  objects  proposed  was  to  conciliate  the  Iroquois,  who 
had  been  invited  to  the  council.  Many  of  their  chiefs  ap 
peared,  including  the  great  Mohawk,  Hendrick.  While  they 
accepted  the  proffered  pledge  of  peace,  the  Iroquois  braves 
warned  the  English  of  impending  dangers,  and  complained 
of  their  tardiness  in  erecting  fortifications.  The  delegates 
promised  more  vigorous  action,  and  the  Indians  departed, 
apparently  satisfied,  but  really  discouraged  by  the  want  of 
energy  and  promptness  displayed  by  their  allies. 

The  council  now  had  leisure  to  discuss  the  proposed  union. 
A  plan  brought  forward  by  Benjamin  Franklin  was  after 
some  debate  adopted.  By  its  provisions,  a  congress  was  to 
assemble  annually  at  Philadelphia,  composed  of  from  two 
to  seven  delegates  from  each  colony,  according  to  its  size. 
This  congress  was  to  originate  all  laws  and  appoint  civil 
officers,  to  issue  money,  deal  with  the  Indians,  regulate  trade, 
govern  new  settlements,  raise  soldiers,  and  levy  taxes, — all 
its  acts  being  subject  to  the  veto  of  a  governor-general  ap 
pointed  by  the  crown.  Each  colony  was  to  have  its  own 
legislature,  and  to  be  independent  in  its  internal  affairs. 
Such  was  the  plan  of  union  to  be  laid  before  the  individual 
colonies  for  their  adoption. 

~H236.  As  the  author  of  this  important  measure  comes 
prominently  before  us,  it  will  be  well  to  glance  at  his  previ 
ous  history.  Benjamin  Franklin  was  born  at  Boston,  Janu 
ary  17th,  1706.  His  father,  a  manufacturer  of  soap  and 
candles,  wished  to  give  the  young  Benjamin  a  liberal  educa 
tion  with  the  view  of  preparing  him  for  the  ministry ;  but  his 
means  failed,  and  he  took  his  son,  at  the  age  of  ten,  into  his 
own  establishment,  where  he  employed  him  in  cutting  wicks 
and  filling  candle-moulds.  An  ardent  thirst  for  knowledge  led 
our  hero  to  spend  every  leisure  moment  in  reading,  and  even 
to  rob  himself  of  sleep  that  he  might  con  such  volumes  of  trav- 

June,  1754  ?  "What  was  one  of  its  leading  objects  ?  Who  made  their  appearance  at  the 
council?  Of  what  did  the  Iroquois  chiefs  complain?  How  were  they  partially  ap 
peased?  What  next  engaged  tho  attention  of  the  council?  Who  proposed  apian  of 
union  ?  What  action  was  taken  on  it  ?  Mention  its  chief  provisions.  236.  When  and 


1718]  EARLY    LIFE   OF   FKANKLIN.  163 

els  and  history  as  fell  in  his  way.  At  twelve,  he  was  appren 
ticed  to  an  elder  brother,  to  learn  the  art  of  printing  ;  but, 
aggrieved  by  the  harsh  treatment  of  the  latter,  he  resolved 
to  leave  his  native  city  without  the  knowledge  of  his  friends, 
and  try  his  fortune  among  strangers.  The  sale  of  his  little 
stock  of  books  furnished  him  with  the  means  of  travelling. 
His  first  stopping-place  was  New  York.  Here  there  was  no 
encouragement  to  remain,  and  he  continued  his  journey  to 
Philadelphia,  which  he  reached  with  a  single  dollar  in  his 
pocket.  Refreshing  himself  with  a  penny  roll  and  a  draught 
of  water  from  the  Delaware,  his  first  care  was  to  seek  em 
ployment. 

Our  young  adventurer,  now  seventeen,  succeeded  in  get 
ting  a  situation  in  one  of  the  two  printing-offices  in  Philadel 
phia,  and  from  this  time  steadily  and  rapidly  advanced.  He 
perfected  his  knowledge  of  printing,  and  learned  much  of 
the  world,  by  a  residence  of  eighteen  months  hi  London ; 
after  which  he  returned  to  Philadelphia,  gained  many  new 
friends,  and  set  up  a  printing-office  of  his  own.  We  find 
him  every  succeeding  year  extending  his  influence  and  trying 
to  disseminate  information  among  the  people.  He  founded 
the  first  circulating  library  in  America,  about  1730.  In  1732, 
he  commenced  his  celebrated  "  Poor  Richard's  Almanac", 
which  he  continued  for  twenty-five  years.  In  1736,  he  origi 
nated  the  American  Philosophical  Society,  and  became  clerk 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  Pennsylvania. 

The  fame  of  Franklin  was  not  confined  to  America.  His 
discoveries  in  electricity  gained  him  the  highest  respect 
among  the  scientific  men  of  Europe.  He  introduced  various 
improvements  in  the  Ley  den  jar,  and  was  the  first  to  mag 
netize  steel  needles  and  fire  gunpowder  by  electricity.  A 
series  of  observations  led  him  to  believe  that  thunder  and 

where  was  Franklin  born  '(  Give  an  account  of  his  youth.  At  twelve,  to  M-hom  was  ho 
apprenticed?  How  was  he  treated  ?  What  did  he  conclude  to  do?  How  did  he  get 
the  means  of  travelling?  Where  did  he  go?  What  did  he  do,  on  arriving  at  Phila 
delphia?  How  old  was  he?  What  employment  did  he  find?  Where  did  he  after 
wards  go?  On  his  return  to  Philadelphia,  what  did  he  do?  In  1730  and  1732  what 
enterprises  did  he  embark  in?  What  did  he  do  in  1736?  In  what  branch  of  natural 
science  was  Franklin  distinguished  ?  Enumerate  some  of  his  discoveries.  What  opin 
ion  did  he  bold  with  respect  to  thunder  and  lightning  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  exper- 


164  BRADDOCK'S  CAMPAIGN.  [17 5 a 

lightning  were  nothing  more  than  the  report  and  spark  of  a 
grand  electric  discharge  from  cloud  to  cloud.  Experiment 
only  could  determine  whether  he  was  right.  He  had  often 
amused  himself  in  childhood  with  paper  kites ;  he  now  made 
one  of  silk  and  resolved  to  raise  it  to  the  clouds.  If  the  fluid 
passed  down  the  string  to  his  fingers,  his  theory  would  be 
correct ;  if  not,  the  speculations  of  years  were  groundless. 
With  his  son,  to  whom  alone  he  intrusted  his  secret,  he 
went  out  into  the  fields,  in  June,  1752,  to  try  the  experi 
ment.  The  kite  was  raised,  and  as  it  reached  a  threatening 
cloud  the  philosopher  with  anxiety  awaited  the  result.  There 
was  no  sensation.  Another  cloud  came.  Franklin  present 
ed  his  knuckle,  and  to  his  unspeakable  joy  received  a  spark. 
When  the  string  was  wet,  the  electric  fluid  gathered  in  abun 
dance.  His  theory  was  thus  established  beyond  doubt  or 
cavil.  The  news  created  a  great  sensation  throughout  Eu 
rope,  and  the  name  of  Franklin  was  everywhere  spoken  with 
admiration.  The  lightning-rod  was  the  immediate  result  of 
this  discovery  ;  and  who  can  calculate  the  disasters  this  sim 
ple  instrument  has  averted  ?  The  poet  Barlow  did  not  ex 
aggerate  the  achievements  of  Franklin,  ^trhen  he  said, 

"  See  the  descending  streams  around  tim  burn, 
Glance  on  his  rod,  and  with  his  guidance  turn ! 
He  bids  conflicting  heavens  their  blasts  expire, 
Curbs  the  fierce  blaze,  and  holds  the  imprisoned  fire." 


\ 
\ 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

BRADDOCK'S     CAMPAIGN. 

237.  THOUGH  France  and  England  were  nominally  at 
peace,  war  continued  to  desolate  the  disputed  frontier  in 
America.  The  British  ministry  at  last  concluded  to  aid  the 

luient  by  which  he  tested  his  theory.  How  was  the  news  received  In  Europe  ?  What 
was  the  immediate  result  of  this  discovery  ?  What  does  the  poet  Barlow  say  of  Frank 
lin  ? 

237.  Despite  the  nominal  peace  that  prevailed  between  France  and  England,  where 
did  war  continue  to  rage?    Whom  did  the  British  ministry  send  to  the  aid  of  the 


1755]  THE   MARCH   TO   FOKT   DU    QUESNE.  165 

colonies,  and  early  in  1755  sent  over  General  Brad'-dock 
and  a  detachment  from  the  army  in  Ireland,  for  that  pur- 
pose.  Four  expeditions  were  planned ;  the  most  important 
of  which,  that  against  the  French  in  the  Ohio  valley,  the 
commander-in-chief  undertook  hi  person.  Fort  Du  Quesne 
was  the  first  post  to  be  reduced ;  thence  he  would  direct  his 
victorious  arms  against  Niagara  and  Frontenac.  Conceited 
and  obstinate  as  he  was  brave,  Braddock  would  listen  to  no 
warnings  of  danger  from  Indian  ambuscades.  The  savages 
might  be  formidable,  he  said,  to  raw  American  militia,  but 
could  make  no  impression  on  the  king's  regulars.  Fort 
Cumberland,  at  Will's  Creek  [see  Map,  p.  158],  was  soon 
reached ;  and  here  Washington  joined  the  army  as  aid-de 
camp  [aid'  e  Teawng']  to  the  general.  Horatio  Gates  also 
arrived  with  two  companies  from  New  York.  The  whole 
force  now  amounted  to  over  2,000  men.  A  detachment  was 
sent  forward  to  open  the  roads,  and  early  in  June,  1755,  the 
commander-in-chief  started  with  the  main  body.  A  march 
of  130  miles  was  before  them,  and  they  advanced  but  slowly, 
levelling  the  hills  and  bridging  the  streams  that  lay  in  their 
path.  The  French  commandant  at  the  fort  received  tidings 
of  Braddock's  advance,  and  would  have  retreated  had  it  not 
been  for  the  urgent  advice  of  a  single  officer. 

238.  On  the  9th  of  July,  the  English  army  was  within 
seven  miles  of  Fort  Du  Quesne,  moving  in  perfect  military 
order  along  the  bank  of  the  Mo-non-ga-he'-la.  Washington 
declares  that  he  never  saw  any  thing  more  imposing  than 
the  march  of  the  army  on  that  bright  summer  morning.  All 
were  dressed  in  full  uniform ;  their  polished  arms  glanced  hi 
the  sun-light ;  every  movement  was  made  with  perfect  pre 
cision  ;  and  the  full  strains  of  martial  music,  startling  the 
wild  deer  from  his  lair,  broke  with  strange  but  striking  effect 


colonists  ?  How  many  expeditions  -were  planned  ?  Which  did  Braddock  himself  un 
dertake?  What  posts  did  he  propose  successively  reducing?  How  did  he  treat  the 
warnings  of  the  Americans?  To  what  frontier  post  did  he  advance?  [Seo  Map, 
p.  158.— Where  is  Will's  Creek?]  Who  joined  Braddock  at  this  place?  How  large 
was  his  force?  When  did  they  start?  How  did  they  march?  What  is  said  of  the 
French  commandant?  238.  What  progress  had  the  English  army  made  by  July  9th  ? 
What  kind  of  an  appearance  did  they  present  on  the  bank  of  the  Monongahela?  De- 


166  BRADDOCK'S  CAMPAIGN.  [1755 

on  the  solitude  of  the  forest.  The  road  led  up  a  gradual 
ascent ;  and  near  it,  on  each  side,  was  a  ravine  ten  feet  deep, 
concealed  by  thick  woods  and  underbrush.  The  army  moved 
slowly  forward  through  a  path  about  twelve  feet  wide.  In 
front  was  a  detachment  of  350  men  under  Lieutenant-colonel 
Gage  (afterwards  General),  and  a  working  body  250  strong, 
Braddock  was  behind  with  the  main  body. 

Twice  had  the  French  proposed  to  the  Indians  to  attack 
the  invading  army  on  its  march,  and  twice  had  they  refused. 
The  commandant  was  in  despair,  but  one  of  his  officers  made 
a  final  effort.  "  I  shall  go,"  said  he  to  the  chiefs,  "  and  will 
you  suffer  your  father  to  go  alone  ?"  The  Red  Men  were  at 
last  persuaded,  and  early  that  same  morning  on  which  their 
enemies  were  deploying  in  military  splendor  on  the  bank  of 
the  Monongahela,  a  body  of  230  Frenchmen  and  637  Indians 
started  from  the  fort,  both  full  of  confidence,  and  the  latter 
declaring  that  they  would  shoot  down  all  the  English  like  a 
single  pigeon. 

239.  The  two  ravines  described  above,  after  running 
parallel  with  the  road  for  some  distance,  converged  till  they 
met,  and  at  this  point  the  French  encountered  the  advanced 
guard  of  the  English.  Commencing  the  attack  without  de 
lay,  they  extended  their  lines  down  the  ravines,  and  thus 
commanded  both  flanks  of  the  enemy.  Had  Colonel  Gage 
promptly  sent  aid  to  the  division  first  attacked,  and  repelled 
the  foe  in  front,  the  issue  of  the  battle  might  have  been  dif 
ferent  ;  but,  while  he  hesitated,  the  critical  moment  passed. 
The  advanced  body  and  flank  guards  were  simultaneously 
driven  back,  and  fell  in  confusion  on  a  regiment  that  had  just 
come  up  and  was  endeavoring  to  form.  The  appalling  war- 
whoop  was  heard  on  right  and  left ;  and  the  well  trained 
troops  of  Britain,  who  had  seen  much  service  elsewhere  but 
none  like  this,  beheld  with  consternation  their  brave  men 
fall  thick  and  fast  by  shots  from  an  invisible  foe.  In  vain 


fccribe  the  road  on  which  they  were  marching.  Who  were  in  front?  Where  was  Brad- 
dock  ?  What  was  taking  place  all  this  time  at  Fort  Du  Quesne  ?  What  did  the  Indians 
declare?  239.  At  what  point  did  the  French  and  English  meet?  What  was  immedi 
ately  done  by  the  French  ?  What  fatal  error  was  made  by  Colonel  Gage  ?  What  fol- 


1755]  THE    BATTLE   AND   ROUT.  167 

they  returned  the  fire,  at  trees  and  rocks.  In  vain  their 
gallant  officers  exhorted  them  to  follow,  and  clear  the  adja 
cent  ravines  and  hills  of  the  lurking  enemy.  The  bewildered 
men  would  not  obey.  They  fired  wildly,  and  even  shot  their 
own  comrades  in  mistake. 

The  Virginia  Rangers  alone  retained  their  presence  of 
mind.  Familiar  with  Indian  warfare,  each  selected  a  tree 
and  fought  the  savage  in  his  own  style.  Washington  seemed 
everywhere  present.  The  other  aids  had  bi-en  early  disabled, 
and  he  alone  was  left  to  transmit  the  orders  of  his  general  to 
the  different  parts  of  the  field.  Four  balls  passed  through 
his  coat,  and  two  horses  were  shot  under  him.  The  Indians 
singled  him  out  specially  for  death,  but  in  vain.  "Some 
mighty  Manitou  protects  him,"  said  a  disappointed  chief, 
who,  with  his  braves,  repeatedly  covered  him  with  his  mus 
ket, — and  it  was  even  so. 

Braddock  had  five  horses  wounded  under  him,  but  was 
still  too  proud  to  retreat  before  the  savages.  At  last  a  mus 
ket-ball  passed  through  his  lungs.  As  he  was  placed  on  a 

•  cart,  sinking  from  loss  of  blood,  he  faintly  asked  Washington, 
"  What  is  to  be  done  ?"  "  We  must  retreat,"  was  the  an 
swer  ;  "the  regulars  will  not  fight,  and  the  rangers  are  nearly 
all  killed."  The  order  was  given.  Frightened,  and  deal 
alike  to  commands  and  threats,  the  regulars  broke  from  their 
ranks  and  disgracefully  fled,  leaving  their  stores  and  artillery, 
and  even  the  private  papers  of  their  general,  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy.  .  Never  was  rout  more  disastrous.  On  the  side 
of  the  English,  26  officers  fell  and  37  were  wounded;  the 
loss  among  the  privates  amounted  to  714.  The  enemy  had 
only  three  officers  and  30  men  killed,  and  an  equal  number 
wounded. 

)f  240.  On  Washington,  whose  advice,  had  it  been  followed, 
would  have  saved  the  army  from  surprise,  now  devolved  the 
melancholy  duty  of  conducting  the  retreat,  or  rather  cover- 
lowed  ?  How  did  the  British  regulars  behave  ?  How  did  the  Virginia  Rangers  conduct 
themselves?  What  is  said  of  Washington?  What  befell  Braddock  ?  What  passed  be 
tween  him  and  Washington,  after  he  was  wounded?  Describe  the  retreat  What  was 
the  loss  on  both  sides  ?  240.  Who  covered  the  flight  of  the  surviving  British  ?  Where 


168  EXPEDITIONS    OF   SHIKLEY    AND    JOHNSON.          [l755 

ing  the  flight,  of  the  survivors.  They  reached  Will's  Creek 
in  complete  disorder,  and  filled  the  garrison  with  conster 
nation.  Dunbar,  who  was  in  command  of  the  camp,  de 
stroyed  the  remaining  stores  and  artillery,  worth  not  less 
than  £100,000,  to  facilitate  the  evacuation  of  the  place. 
Braddock  died  the  fourth  day  after  his  defeat.  The  destruc 
tion  of  an  army  from  which  so  much  had  been  expected  ex 
cited  universal  horror  throughout  America.  Attempts  to 
raise  new  forces  for  the  defence  of  the  border  met,  for  a 
time,  with  little  success.  The  French  and  Indians  ravaged 
the  Virginia  frontier,  and  escaped  beyond  the  mountains 
before  the  colony  had  recovered  from  its  alarm. 

241.  The  expedition  against  Niagara  under  Gov.  Shir '-ley, 
of  Massachusetts,  accomplished  nothing.     Braddock  was  to 
have  aided  in  this  enterprise,  and  the  news  of  his  defeat, 
added  to  a  series  of  obstacles,  disheartened  the  army.    They 
advanced  no  further  than  Oswego,  at  the  southeastern  ex 
tremity  of  Lake  Ontario.     After  rebuilding  the  fort  at  this 
place  and  garrisoning  it  with  TOO  men,  Shirley  returned  to 
Massachusetts  (Oct.  24,  1755). 

242.  The  third  expedition,  directed  against  the  French 
fort  at  Crown  Point,  had  been  intrusted  to  William  Johnson. 
With  3,400  men,  mostly  New  England  militia,  Johnson  ad 
vanced  to  the  southern  shore  of  the  beautiful  sheet  called 
by  the    Indians  Hor'-i-con,  by  the  French  St.  Sacrement 
[sang  sac-re-mong'],  and  named  by  him,  after  his  king,  Lake 
George.     Here  he  waited  for  stores  and  artillery,  apparently 
in  no  hurry  to  prosecute  the   enterprise.      Meanwhile  the 
brave  Dieskau  \de-es-co']  was  descending  Lake  Champlain, 
with  about  1,400  Canadians  and  Indians,  for  the  purpose  of 
striking  an  unexpected  blow.     He  intended  to  surprise  Fort 
Edward,  which  had  been  recently  erected,  but,  misled  by  his 
guides,  found  himself  on  the  way  to  Johnson's  encampment. 
A  body  of  English,  sent  against  the  invaders,  were  repulsed 

did  tiie  remnant  of  the  army  assemble ?  Who  commanded  there?  What  did  he  do? 
What  became  of  Braddock?  What  feeling  was  excited  in  the  colonies  by  the  news  of 
Braddock's  defeat  ?  Where  did  the  enemy  commit  depredations?  241.  Give  an  account 
of  the  second  expedition.  Where  is  Oswego  ?  242.  Against  what  post  was  the  third 
expedition  directed?  To  whom  was  it  intrusted?  flow  many  men  were  raised? 


1755J 


DIKSKAU  s  DP:FEAT. 


109 


(Sept.  8,  1755);  and  Dies- 
kau,  pursuing  them  vigor 
ously  to  their  camp,  would 
no  doubt  have  defeated 
Johnson's  whole  army  had 
he  not  been  deserted  by 
his  Indian  allies.  As  it 
was,  he  was  driven  back, 
himself  mortally  wounded. 
A  large  part  of  his  force 
was  cut  off,  and  Johnson, 
who  had  retired  from  the 
field  early  in  the  engage 
ment,  received  the  credit 
of  a  victory  wholly  due  to 
the  colonial  troops  and 
their  own  gallant  officers. 
Instead  of  following  up 
his  success,  Johnson  (after 
wards  made  a  baronet  for 
his  victory)  allowed  the  French  to  intrench  themselves 
strongly  at  Ti-con-de-ro'-ga,  and  employed  himself  in  erect 
ing  Fort  William  Henry.  On  the  approach  of  winter,  he 
garrisoned  this  post  with  600  men,  and  disbanded  the  rest  of 
his  army. 

243.  The  fourth  expedition  projected  by  Braddock  had  in 
view  the  extension  of  the  British  possessions  on  the  north 
east,  and  was  undertaken  by  the  people  of  Massachusetts. 
In  May,  1755,  a  strong  force  sailed  from  Boston  against  the 
French  forts  near  the  Bay  of  Fundy.  These  were  speedily 
taken,  and  their  reduction  was  followed  by  the  subjugation 

Where  did  Johnson  encamp?  [See  Map. — In  what  state  is  Lake  George?  What  fort 
rs  at  its  southern  extremity?  What  river  runs  south  of  it?  What  creek  at  its  northern 
extremity?  What  larger  lake  just  east  of  it?]  For  what  did  Johnson  wait?  Give  an 
account  of  Dieskau's  movements.  What  took  place,  Sept  8,  1755?  What  prevented 
Dieskau  from  obtaining  the  victory?  What  was  his  fate,  and  that  of  his  army?  Who 
received  credit  for  the  victory?  To  whom  was  it  really  due?  How  was  Johnson  re 
warded  ?  What  advantage  did  he  allow  the  French  ?  [See  Map. — Where  is  Ticonde- 
roga?  What  mountain  near  it?]  In  what  did  he  employ  himself?  On  the  approach  of 
vinter,  what  did  he  do?  243.  What  was  the  object  of  the  fourth  expedition  projected 

8 


LAKE   GKORGE    AND   THE  VICINITY. 


170  CETJEL   TREATMENT   OF   THE   ACADIANS.  [1753 

of  the  whole  region  between  Maine  and  Nova  Scotia,  now 
known  as  New  Brunswick.  Nova  Scotia  had  been  in  pos 
session  of  the  British  for  some  years.  It  was  called  A-ca'- 
di-a,  and  was  inhabited  chiefly  by  a  simple  and  happy  race 
descended  from  the  original  French  settlers,  few  English  col 
onists  having  found  their  way  to  this  northern  region.  Left 
to  themselves,  the  Acadians  had  prospered  greatly,  and  were 
now  in  possession  of  fine  farms  and  abundant  flocks.  Cov 
eting  these,  the  British  authorities,  made  secure  by  the  con 
quest  of  New  Brunswick,  proceeded  to  deprive  the  inhabit 
ants  of  the  fruits  of  their  frugality  and  industry.  The 
Acadians  were  cruelly  ordered  to  leave  the  province.  Seven 
thousand  of  them  were  driven  on  board  of  ships,  and  taken 
to  the  southern  colonies.  Wherever  they  went  they  were 
maltreated  and  oppressed.  "  I  know  not",  says  Bancroft,  "  ii 
the  annals  of  the  human  race  keep  the  record  of  sorrows  so 
wantonly  inflicted,  so  bitter  and  perennial,  as  fell  upon  the 
French  inhabitants  of  Acadia." 
244.  In  May,  1756,  war  was 
formally  declared,  after  it  had 
been  raging  in  the  new  world 
several  years.  Montcalm  \mont- 
cahm'],  a  distinguished  French 
general,  was  sent  to  Canada, 
and  commenced  a  series  of 
movements  which  resulted  in 
the  capture  of  Fort  Oswego, 
with  its  garrison  of  1,600  men, 
120  cannon,  three  chests  of 
money,  and  abundant  stores. 
The  churches  of  Three  Rivers, 
Montreal,  and  Quebec  were 

by  Braddock  ?  By  whom  was  it  undertaken  ?  In  May,  1755,  what  was  done  ?  What 
pests  did  they  take  ?  What  region  did  they  subjugate  ?  In  whose  possession  jad  Nova 
Scotia  been  ?  What  was  it  called  ?  By  whom  was  it  inhabited  ?  What  was  their  con 
dition?  What  unjust  treatment  did  they  receive  at  the  hands  of  the  British  authori 
ties?  How  many  were  driven  away?  Where  were  they  taken  ?  How  were  they  treat 
ed  there?  What  does  Bancroft  say  of  the  Acadians?  244.  When  was  war  formally 
declared?  Whom  did  the  French  government  send  to  Canada?  What  place  did  he 
capture  ?  With  Oswego,  what  fell  into  Montcalm's  hands  ?  Where  were  the  colorb  of 


1756]  FRENCH    AND    INDIAN    WAK.  171 

adorned  with  its  colors,  Lord  Loudoun  [loio'-duii],  the  new 
ly  appointed  governor-general  of  the  English  colonies,  had 
arrived  shortly  before,  but  he  attempted  nothing  for  the  re 
lief  of  Oswego.  The  season  having  been  wasted,  it  soon 
became  necessary  to  provide  winter-quarters  for  his  troops  ; 
and  the  colonists,  to  their  chagrin,  found  themselves  obliged 
to  support  thousands  of  British  soldiers  who  had  not  as  yet 
struck  a  blow  in  their  behalf. 


CHAPTER   XXXII. 

FRENCH     AND   INDIAN   AVAR    (CONTINUED). — CAMPAIGNS    OP 

1757-1758. 

245.  DURING  the  winter  of  1756-57,  Fort  William  Henry 
was  occupied  by  a  band  of  hardy  American  rangers,  who 
defied  cold  and  storms.    Among  them  was  John  Stark,  after 
wards  a  successful  general  in  the  Revolution.     With  the  aid 
of  skates  and  snow-shoes,  several  expeditions  were  under 
taken  against  the  enemy.     An  army  of  1,500  French  and 
Indians  from  Canada,  with  dogs  to  draw  their  sleighs,  and 
bear-skins  for  their  only  protection  at  night,  marched  180 
miles  for  the  purpose  of  surprising  the  fort,  but  found  the 
vigilant   garrison   on   their   guard,   and   returned   as   they 
came. 

246.  In  January,  1757,  the   northern  governors  met  at 
Boston,  and  determined  to  raise  4,000  men.     Meanwhile 
Loudoun  complained  to  the  ministry  at  home  that  the  colo 
nies  would  not  tax  themselves,  and  that  he  could  not  coerce 
them.     This  was  untrue.     The  colonies  were  willing  to  be 
taxed,  but  wanted,  as  was  natural,  to  spend  the  money  them 
selves.     They  were  tired  of  the  imbecility  of  British  officers. 

the  captured  fort  taken  ?    What  British  general  had  arrived  shortly  before?    What  is 
B»id  of  his  movements?    What  did  the  colonists  find  themselves  obliged  to  do? 

245.  How  did  the  garrison  of  Fort  William  Henry  employ  itself  in  the  winter  of 
1T56-5T  ?  What  attempt  was  made  by  the  French  ?  How  did  it  succeed  ?  246.  What 
took  place  in  January,  1757  ?  What  complaint  was  made  by  Loudoun  ?  What  was  the 


172  FRENCH    AND   INDIAN   WAR.  [l757 

In  June,  175 7,  Loudoun  went  to  Halifax,  and  collected 
there  an  army  of  10,000  men.  He  spent  most  of  the  sum 
mer  in  drilling  them,  and  then  was  deterred  from  attacking 
Louisburg,  as  he  had  intended,  by  the  intelligence  that  the 
French  fleet  contained  one  more  ship  than  his  own.  He 
soon  left  his  parade-ground,  and  returned  to  New  York. 

247.  While  the  English  commander  was  thus  trifling,  the 
governor  of  Canada  was  drawing  the  Iroquois  and  other 
northern  Indians  into  an  alliance.  A  grand  army  of  French 
and  savages,  with  Mont  calm  at  its  head,  advanced  towards 
the  forts  on  the  English  frontier.  Several  minor  successes 
were  gained,  and  the  Indians,  always  desirous  of  making 
good  their  escape  when  they  have  struck  a  blow,  were  eager 
to  return.  Montcalm  remonstrated  with  them,  and,  produ 
cing  the  great  war-belt  of  6,000  shells,  which  bound  them  to 
remain  till  the  expedition  was  completed,  declared  that  his 
great  object,  the  reduction  of  Fort  William  Henry,  was  still 
unaccomplished.  The  Red  Men  were  at  last  persuaded ; 
and  on  the  2d  of  August,  1757,  6,000  Frenchmen  and  1,700 
Indians  invested  the  fort.  It  was  defended  by  the  intrepid 
Col.  Monro,  with  2,200  men. 

To  Montcalm's  summons  to  surrender,  Monro  returned 
an  answer  of  defiance,  hoping  for  aid  from  Gen.  Webb,  who 
lay  encamped  at  Fort  Edward,  only  14  miles  off,  with  4,000 
men.  Instead  of  advancing  to  the  rescue,  Webb  wrote 
Monro  a  letter  advising  him  to  surrender.  Still  the  gallant 
veteran  held  out,  till  his  ammunition  was  nearly  exhausted, 
and  half  his  guns  had  burst.  He  then  felt  it  his  duty  to 
capitulate  on  the  honorable  terms  proposed  by  the  French 
commander.  One  of  the  conditions  was  a  safe  escort  to  Fort 
Edward.  But,  when  the  retreat  commenced,  the  faithless 
Indians,  incited  by  the  hope  of  plunder,  feU  on  the  ill-fated 

true  state  of  the  case?  What  did  Loudoun  do  in  June,  1757?  Give  an  account  of  hia 
moTcments  at  Halifax.  247.  Meanwhile,  what  was  the  governor  of  Canada  doing? 
What  expedition  did  he  undertake  ?  What  did  the  Indians  want  to  do  ?  How  did 
Montcalm  dissuade  them  from  their  purpose  ?  How  many  men  invested  Fort  William 
Henry  ?  [See  Map,  p.  169.  Where  was  Fort  William  Henry  ?]  By  whom  was  it  de 
fended  ?  To  whom  did  Monro  look  for  aid  ?  What  message  did  he  receive  from  Webb  ? 
How  long  did  he  hold  out  ?  On  what  terms  did  he  finally  surrender  ?  What  happened 


1757]  CAMPAIGN   OF    1757.  173 

English.  Despite  the  efforts  of  Montcalm  and  his  officers,  a 
general  massacre  ensued.  Only  a  part  of  the  army  reached 
Fort  Edward  in  safety.  Webb,  as  long  as  he  was  secure  in 
his  camp,  cared  little  for  the  honor  of  his  country  or  the 
safety  of  his  comrades.  Loudoun  proposed  fixing  his  quar 
ters  on  Long  Island,  and  thought  that  would  be  a  sufficient 
defence  for  the  continent.  At  the  close  of  1757,  the  French 
possessions  in  America  exceeded  in  extent  those  of  the  Eng* 
lish  as  twenty  to  one. 

248.  In  the  summer  of  1757,  the  weakness  of  the  English 
ministry  had  become  apparent,  and  Pitt,  a  man  of  the  peo 
ple,  and  the  wrisest  of  modem  statesmen,  was  intrusted  with 
the  management  of  affairs.     America  was  his  first  care.    The 
imbecile  Loudoun  was  recalled.     The  colonies  were  request 
ed  to  raise  troops,  with  the  promise  that  the  expense  would 
be  refunded  ;  and  their  officers  were  allowed  the  same  rank 
as  British  officers  of  their  respective  grades.     New  life  was 
infused  into  every  branch  of  the  service.     The  American 
people  had  the  highest  confidence  in  Pitt,  and  new  armies 
were  soon  enlisted. 

Three  expeditions  were  projected  by  the  English.  Am- 
herst  and  Wolfe  were  to  besiege  Louisburg ;  Lord  Howe 
and  Ab-er-crom'-bie,  to  attack  Crown  Point  and  Ticondero- 
ga ;  and  Gen.  Forbes  was  to  advance  upon  Fort  Du  Quesne 
and  the  Ohio  valley. 

249.  The  first  of  these  expeditions  was  entirely  successful. 
The  French  commander  surrendered  the  fort,  and  5,637  pris 
oners  were  sent  to  England.     The  British  took  possession 
of  the  whole  of  Cape  Bret'-on  and  Prince  Edward's  Island. 
Abandoning  Louisburg,  they  made  Halifax  their  capital  and 
stronghold  in  the  northeast. 

250.  The  second  expedition  was  undertaken  by  the  largest 
army  that  had  yet  marched  through  the  forests  of  America. 

on  the  retreat?  What  is  said  of  Webb  and  Loudoun  ?  At  the  close  of  1757,  how  did 
tho  French  and  English  possessions  in  America  compare  in  extent?  24S.  What  change 
was  made  in  the  British  ministry  in  the  summer  of  1757?  What  first  engaged  Pitt's 
attention  ?  What  action  did  he  take  in  American  affairs?  Enumerate  the  three  expe 
ditions  that  were  projected.  249.  What  was  the  result  of  the  first  expedition  ?  2f.O.  What 
IB  said  of  the  army  engaged  in  the  second  expedition  ?  How  many  men  embarked  for 


174  FRENCH    AND    INDIAN    WAR.  [l758 

On  the  5th  of  July,  1758,  9,000  provincial  troops  and  6,000 
British  regulars  embarked  in  a  thousand  boats  on  the  shore 
of  Lake  George,  for  the  strong  French  fort  at  Ticonderoga, 
held  by  Montcalm  with  about  3,600  men.  The  young  and 
popular  Howe  was  unfortunately  killed  in  an  encounter  with 
a  party  of  French  just  as  he  reached  the  scene  of  action,  and 
the  sole  command  thus  devolved  on  the  incompetent  Aber* 
crombie.  An  attack  on  the  French  lines  was  unwisely  or- 
dered  before  the  artillery  had  been  brought  into  action.  It 
was  conducted  with  unsurpassed  intrepidity,  but  as  bravely 
repulsed  by  Montcalm,  who  had  every  advantage  of  position. 
The  English  army  lost  nearly  2,000  in  killed  and  wounded ; 
and  Abercrombie,  who  had  taken  care  to  keep  out  of  danger 
during  the  assault,  retreated  to  the  head  of  the  lake,  and 
sent  his  artillery  and  stores  to  Albany.  Nothing  was  effect 
ed  during  the  remainder  of  the  campaign  but  the  capture 
and  destruction  of  Fort  Frontenac  and  some  armed  vessels 
on  Lake  Ontario,  by  a  detachment  under  Gen.  Bradstreet. 

251.  The  third  expedition  owed  its  success  solely  to  Wash 
ington.  Contrary  to  his .  advice,  General  Forbes,  instead  of 
following  Braddock's  route,  commenced  a  new  road  to  Fort 
Du  Quesne.  His  progress  was  slow,  and  300  of  his  men 
were  cut  off  by  an  ambuscade.  On  this,  it  was  resolved  to 
abandon  the  expedition  for  the  season;  but  Washington, 
having  satisfied  himself  of  the  weakness  of  the  fort  by  the 
accounts  of  deserters,  obtained  the  general's  permission  to 
proceed  against  it  alone  with  his  Virginia  Rangers.  The 
French,  on  his  approach,  set  fire  to  the  works,  and  fled  down 
the  Ohio.  Washington  raised  his  country's  flag  over  the 
smoking  ruins  (Nov.  25, 1758),  and  changed  the  name  of  the 
place  to  Pittsburg,  in  honor  of  the  great  Pitt.  Intrusting 
its  defence  to  a  company  of  his  rangers,  he  returned  to  his 
native  state,  already  illustrious  by  his  achievements,  though 

Ticonderoga?  By  whom  was  this  post  held?  What  befell  Lord  Howe?  On  whom 
did  the  sole  command  then  devolve  ?  Give  an  account  of  Abercrombie's  operations. 
What  was  their  result?  What  was  the  British  loss?  What  was  Abercrombie's  next 
movement  ?  What  was  effected  during  the  remainder  of  the  campaign  ?  251.  To  whom 
ts  the  success  of  the  third  expedition  attributable?  What  course  was  pursued  by  Gen. 
Forbes  ?  What  was  the  advice  of  Washington  ?  How  was  the  fort  finally  taken  ?  What 


175SJ  CAMPAIGN   OF    1759.  175 

not  yet  twenty-seven  years  of  age.  He  was  received  with 
distinguished  honor,  and  elected  to  the  House  of  Burgesses, 
where  he  commenced  his  career  as  a  statesman.  Meanwhile 
Abercrombie  was  recalled,  "and  General  Amherst  was  ap 
pointed  commander-in-chief  of  the  army  and  governor  of 
Virginia. 


CHAPTER    XXXIII. 

FRENCH    AND   INDIAN  WAR    (CONTINUED). CAMPAIGNS    OF 

1759-1760. 

252.  ALIVE  to  the  importance  of  prosecuting  the  war  in 
the  new  world  with  vigor,  Pitt  zealously  prepared  for  the 
campaign  of  1759.     A  well-digested  plan  of  operations  was 
arranged,  which  there  seemed  little  prospect  that  Montcalm, 
left  unsupported  by  the  French  government,  his  province 
already  exhausted  of  men  and  resources,  could  successfully 
oppose.     Gen.  Stanwix  was  ordered  to  reduce  the  country 
between  Pittsburg  and  Lake  Erie ;  Prideaux  \jyrerdo'\  to 
take  Niagara.     Ticonderoga  was  assigned  to  Gen.  Amherst ; 
and  Wolfe  [woolf]  was  to  attack  Quebec.     The  first  two  of 
these  expeditions  were  successful,  though  at  the  siege  of  Ni 
agara  Prideaux  was  killed.     On  the  approach  of  Amherst, 
the  French   abandoned  Ticonderoga  and  descended  Lake 
Champlain.    It  was  expected  that  the  commander  would 
then  march  to  the  north  and  aid  in  reducing  Canada ;  but, 
delaying,  unnecessarily,  he  left  this  difficult  enterprise  en 
tirely  to  the  intrepid  Wolfe. 

253.  The   strength  of  Quebec  was  well  known,  and  a 
powerful  armament  assembled  at  Louisburg  for  its  attack. 
Twenty-two  ships-of-the-line  and  an  equal  number  of  smaller 
vessels,  containing  8,000  men  and  a  vast  amount  of  stores 

followed  ?    Where  did  Washington  then  go  ?    How  was  he  received  and  rewarded  ? 
What  change  was  made  in  the  command  of  the  British  army? 

252.  What  was  the  plan  of  operations  for  1T59,  on  the  part  of  the  British  ?  What 
was  Montcalm's  condition  ?  What  was  the  result  of  the  first  expedition  ?  What,  of  the 
second?  What,  of  the  third?  253.  Where  did  the  force  intended  for  Quebec  assem- 


176  FRENCH    AND   INDIAN    WAR.  [l759 

and  ammunition,  reached  the  Isle  of  Orleans,  opposite  Que 
bec,  on  the  26th  of  June,  1759  [see  Map,  p.  216].  Opposed 
to  this  powerful  array  was  the  renowned  Montcalm,  in  a 
fortress  deemed  impregnable,  with  a  force  superior  in  num 
ber  to  the  English,  though  no  match  for  them  in  spirit  or 
discipline. 

After  reconnoitring  the  harbor,  and  erecting  a  battery  a* 
Point  Levi,  opposite  the  city,  which  destroyed  the  lower 
town,  though  unable  to  reach  the  citadel,  Wolfe  chose  and 
fortified  a  position  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Montmorenci 
(mont-mo-ren' '-se\.  A  continuous  ledge  of  rocks,  defended 
by  batteries  on  every  side,  guarded  Montcalm's  intrench- 
ments.  The  only  practicable  point  of  attack  appeared  to  be 
l he  French  camp  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Montmorenci. 
A  violent  assault  was  made,  but  the  English  were  repulsed 
with  the  loss  of  400  men. 

The  months  of  July  and  August  passed,  and  still  nothing 
was  accomplished.  Left  unsupported  through  the  culpable 
inactivity  of  Amherst,  Wolfe  found  his  most  strenuous  eiforts 
baffled  by  the  strength  of  the  fortress  and  the  vigilance  of 
its  commander.  Aware  that  the  eyes  of  the  whole  English 
people  were  upon  him,  and  thirsting  for  military  glory,  he 
resolved  that  the  season  should  not  pass  without  a  decisive 
conflict.  Three  desperate  plans  of  assault  he  submitted  to 
his  council  of  officers,  but  all  were  rejected.  As  a  last  re 
sort,  it  was  proposed  to  effect  a  landing  above  the  city,  and 
by  ascending  to  the  Plains  of  Abraham  to  force  Montcalm 
to  an  engagement.  A  close  inspection  of  the  side  of  the 
cliff  revealed  a  narrow  path,  which  seemed,  from  the  tents 
on  the  top,  to  be  guarded  by  no  more  than  a  hundred  men. 
If  these  could  be  surprised,  the  whole  army  might  ascend  in 
safety.  The  undertaking  "was  desperate ;  but  there  was  a 

ble?  Of  how  many  men  and  ships  did  it  consist?  When  did  they  reach  the  scene  ol 
action  ?  [See  Map,  p.  216. — How  is  Quebec  situated  ?  In  what  direction  from  it  is 
Point  Levi?]  Describe  Montcalm's  position.  What  were  Wolfe's  first  movements? 
How  were  the  French  intrenehments  defended?  Give  an  account  of  the  first  attack. 
By  what  were  Wolfe's  efforts  baffled?  What  resolve  did  he  form?  How  many  plans 
of  assault  did  he  submit  ?  What  was  proposed,  as  a  last  resort  ?  What  means  vas 
^here  of  ascending  the  cliff?  How  was  it  guarded?  What  night  was  fixed  upoT  <br 


1759] 


WOLFE'S  ATTACK  ON  QUEBEC. 


177 


chance  of  success,  and  for  a  brave  man  like  Wolfe  this  was 
enough. 

The  plan  was  carefully  kept  secret,  and  the  night  follow 
ing  September  13th  was  set  apart  for  carrying  it  into  execu 
tion.  An  hour  after  midnight,  the  English  forces  floated 
down  with  the  tide  to  the  appointed  spot.  Having  silently 
landed,  they  commenced  the  difficult  ascent,  supporting  them- 


WOLFE'S  AKMT  ASCENDING  TO  THE  PLAINS 
OF  ADRAIJAM. 


selves  by  the  boughs  and  shrubs  that  skirted  the  narrow  path. 
The  Canadian  guard  on  the  summit  gave  way  after  a  few 
shots;  the  road  to  Quebec  was  gained;  and,  when  day 


the  attack  ?    Give  an  account  of  the  landing.    What  followed  ?    254  How  did  Mout- 

8* 


178  FKENCH    AND    INDIAN    WAK. 

dawned,  Wolfe  and  his  army,  inspirited  by  their  success, 
stood  on  the  Plains  of  Abraham. 

254.  Montcalm  could  hardly  believe  the  tidings,  yet  has 
tened  to  meet  the  enemy,  summoning  to  his  support  the  de 
tachments  stationed  at  different  points  to  guard  the  heights. 
He  had  but  2,000  regulars;  the  rest  of  his  army  consisted  of 
brave  but  inexperienced  Canadians.  The  French  general 
began  the  attack.  His  charge  was  gallantly  received  by  the 
English,  who  reserved  their  fire  till  his  men  were  within  40 
yards.  Before  their  deadly  discharge,  the  undisciplined 
Canadians  gave  way  in  confusion,  and  all  Montcalm's  efforts 
could  not  rally  them.  At  this  critical  point,  Wolfe  decided 
the  fortune  of  the  day  by  a  well-timed  charge  with  the  bay 
onet.  The  French  on  all  sides  fled.  At  the  moment  of  vic 
tory,  Wolfe, -already  twice  wounded,  received  a  third  ball  in 
his  breast.  An  officer  stood  near  "Support  me,"  cried 
Wolfe,  "  let  not  my  brave  fellows  see  me  drop."  He  was 
carried  to  the  rear ;  it  was  plain  that  his  last  hour  had  come. 
"  They  run !  they  run !"  exclaimed  the  officer  who  support 
ed  him.  "Who  run?"  asked  Wolfe,  awaking  from  the  leth 
argy  of  death.  "  The  French — they  give  way  everywhere." 
The  spirit  of  the  hero  was  roused  as  he  gave  his  last  com 
mands;  then  sinking  back,  he  exclaimed,  "Now,  God  be 
praised,  I  die  happy !"  And  so  he  perished,  having  gained 
the  proudest  victory  yet  won  by  English  arms  in  the  new 
world. 

Montcalm,  who  had  conducted  himself  with  equal  gallan 
try,  met  writh  a  fate  hardly  less  glorious.  Everywhere  present 
hi  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  he  did  all  that  mortal  could  do  to 
redeem  the  day ;  but  for  once  fortune  deserted  him.  Twice 
he  was  wounded,  the  last  time  mortally.  "  Death  is  certain," 
said  the  surgeon,  "you  have  but  ten  or  twelve  hours  to 
live."  "  I  am  glad  to  hear  it,"  gasped  Montcalm ;  "  I  shall 
not  live  to  see  the  surrender  of  Quebec."  He  died  the 


calm  receive  the  news  ?  Of  what  did  his  army  consist  ?  Give  an  account  of  Montcalm's 
charge.  How  did  Wolfe  decide  the  iortu.no  of  the  day  ?  What  took  place  at  the  mo 
ment  of  victory  ?  Describe  Wolfe's  death-scene.  How  did  Montcalm  conduct  himself? 
What  befell  him  ?  What  appeal  did  he  make  to  the  English  commander  ?  What  marks 


1759J 


CAMPAIGN    OF    1760. 


179 


next  morning,  after  hav 
ing  written  to  the  Eng 
lish  commander,  to  solicit 
his  clemency  towards  the 
French  prisoners.  A  mon 
ument  raised  by  the  Eng 
lish  and  generously  in 
scribed  wi-Ch  the  names 
of  both  leaders,  marks 
the  scene  of  this  great 
battle. 

255.  Montcalm  in  his 
last  hours  suggested  to 
his  successor  the  concen 
tration  of  the  French  forces  and  a  vigorous  attack  on  the 
English    before    they    should    intrench    themselves.      But 
he  left  behind  him  no  one  able  or  willing  to  make  the  at 
tempt.      On  the  17th  of  September,  Quebec  surrendered. 
The  news  was  received  with  exultation  throughout  England 
and  America.     The  remains  of  the  French  army  assembled 
at  Montreal.     Early  in  the  following  year  they  attempted  to 
recapture  Quebec ;  but,  after  gaining  some  advantages,  they 
were  obliged  to  retire  before  a  British  fleet  sent  by  Pitt  to 
the  relief  of  the  city. 

256.  On  the  7th   of  September,  1760,  Amlierst,  having 
united  his  forces  to  complete  the  reduction  of  New  France, 
appeared  before  Montreal.     The  officer  in  command  imme 
diately  surrendered  not  only  the  city  itself,  but  the  whole  of 
Canada,  together  with  Detroit  and  Mackinaw. 

257.  Meanwhile,  difficulties  had  arisen  in  the  south  with 
the  Cherokees  [see  Map,  p.  10].     They  had  been  faithful 
friends  and  allies  of  the  English,  and  would  have  so  continued 
had  it  not  been  for  the  course  of  Governor  Lyttleton  of  South 

tb«  scene  of  this  great  battle?  255.  What  suggestion  was  made  by  Montcalm  to  his 
•accessor?  Why  was  it  not  acted  ou ?  When  did  Quebec  surrender?  How  was  the 
news  received  in  England  and  America?  Where  did  the  remains  of  the  French  army 
assemble?  What  did  they  attempt  the  next  year?  With  what  success  did  they  meet? 
856.  What  movement  was  made  by  Amherst  in  the  fall  of  1760  ?  257.  Meanwhile,  where 
bad  difficulties  arisen?  [See  Map,  p.  10.— Where  did  the  Cherokees  live?]  How  were 


180  FRENCH   AND   INDIAN    WAK. 

l_ 

Carolina.  By  unjustly  imprisoning  some  of  their  chiefs,  whc 
had  come  at  his  o\vn  invitation  to  explain,  misunderstandings 
and  ratify  a  firmer  friendship,  he  excited  the  indignation  of 
the  outraged  Red  Men,  and  brought  on  an  Indian  war  with 
all  its  horrors. 

In  April,  1760,  Colonel  Montgomery,  with  1,900  men, 
among  whom  were  those  gallant  sons  of  Carolina,  Moultrie 
\*nole'-tre\  and  Mar'-i-on,  was  sent  against  the  Cherokees, 
Alter  pillaging  and  burning  a  number  of  their  villages, 
Montgomery  was  led  into  an  ambuscade,  by  which  twenty 
of  his  men  were  cut  off,  and  he  himself  was  so  alarmed  that 
he  beat  a  precipitate  retreat.  Fort  Loudoun,  a  frontier 
stronghold,  which  was  besieged  by  the  Indians  but  had  held 
out  in  the  hope  of  relief  from  Montgomery,  soon  capitulated. 
Twenty-three  privates  and  four  officers  were  killed,  in  retali 
ation  for  a  similar  number  of  murders  by  the  English ;  and 
the  rest,  nearly  two  hundred  in  number,  were  distributed  as 
slaves  among  the  various  tribes. 

An  anecdote  illustrating  the  strength  of  Indian  friendship 
is  worthy  of  relation  here.  Among  the  prisoners  taken  at 
Fort  Loudoun,  was  a  trader  named  Stuart,  to  whom  a  chief 
called  Little  Carpenter  was  strongly  attached.  After  giving 
all  he  possessed  to  ransom  his  friend  and  finding  there  was 
still  danger,  the  faithful  Cherokee  took  Stuart  into  the  woods 
as  if  for  the  purpose  of  hunting,  and  led  him  for  nine  days 
through  mountain  forests  till  he  found  Englishmen  to  whom 
he  could  deliver  him  in  safety. 

Montgomery  had  seen  enough  of  Indian  warfare ;  and, 
despite  the  remonstrances  of  the  Carolinians,  he  set  sail  for 
the  north,  and  thence  for  England.  He  afterwards  had  a 
seat  in  Parliament,  where  he  showed  himself  an  enemy  to 
both  liberty  and  America. 

these  troubles  occasioned  ?  What  was  done  in  April,  1T60  ?  Give  an  account  of  Mont 
eoiiiery's  expedition.  What  was  the  fate  of  Fort  Loudoun  and  its  garrison?  What  story 
te  told,  to  illustrate  the  strength  of  Indian  friendship?  What  was  Montgomery's  coxl 
uwvdment?  In  what  body  did  he  afterwards  appear  ? 


"63]  PONTIAC'S   WAR.  181 


CHAPTER   XXXIV. 

rONTIAC'S    WAR. 

253.  ENGLAND  and  France,  having  exhausted  their  re 
sources,  concluded  a  peace  at  Paris,  February  10,  1763. 
England  had  lost  thousands  of  brave  men  and  added 
£50,000,000  to  her  national  debt ;  but  she  had  gained  much 
in  the  new  world.  Nearly. the  whole  of  North  America  wag 
now  in  her  possession.  Her  sway  extended  from  the  frozen 
north  to  Florida,  and  from  ocean  to  ocean. 

259.  When  the  English  began  to  follow  up  their  victories 
in  Canada  by  taking  possession  of  the  French  posts  in  the 
west,  the  Indians  regarded  them  with  aversion  and  alarm. 
These  feelings  were  heightened  by  the  injustice  and  contempt 
with  which  they  were  too  often  treated.     At  last  Pontiac,  a 
brave  and  eloquent  Ottawa,  who,  with  his  northern  braves, 
had  contributed  to  the  defeat  of  Braddock,  effected  in  1763 
a  union  between  his  own  people,  the  Chippeways,  Miamis, 
Shawnees,  Delawares,  and  other  tribes,  for  the  extermination 
of  the  English  throughout  the  whole  western  country.     The 
plot  was  kept  secret,  and  no  suspicion  of  danger  was  enter 
tained.    Trader,  farmer,  and  soldier  had  alike  laid  aside  their 
arms,  in  the  fond  belief  that  war  had  ceased.    Their  security 
proved  fatal.    Prowling  savages  gathered  round  the  forts  and 
settlements.      A  simultaneous  attack  was  made,  and  nine 
British  garrisons  were  surprised  in  a  single  day.     More  than 
a  hundred  traders  were  massacred,  and  20,000  persons  in 
western  Virginia  were  driven  from  their  homes  by  fear  of 
the  scalping-knife. 

260.  At  Mackinaw,  a  number  of  warriors  united  in  an 
exciting  game  of  ball,  while  the  garrison  lounged  about  wit- 


258.  Where  and  when  was  peace  made  between  England  and  France?  What  had 
England  lost  and  gained  by  the  war  ?  259.  How  did  the  western  Indians  feel  towards 
the  English  ?  How  was  their  dislike  heightened  ?  Who  formed  a  combination  foi  ex 
terminating  the  English  ?  In  what  year  ?  Who  was  Pontiac  ?  [See  Map,  p.  10.— Where 
did  the  Ottawas  live?]  What  was  the  state  of  things  at  the  English  posts?  Give  an 
»coount  of  the  massacre.  What  took  place  in  Western  Virginia?  260.  What  took  place 


182  PONTIAC'S    WAR.  [l763 

nessing  the  sport.  Suddenly  the  commander  was  seized ;  a 
rush  was  made  for  the  fort,  where  hatchets  and  other  weap 
ons  had  been  concealed  by  treacherous  squaws,  and  in  an 
instant  seventeen  persons  were  cut  down.  The  rest  were 
made  prisoners.  The  French  traders  alone  escaped.  Pitts- 
burg  was  besieged,  but  saved  by  the  timely  arrival  of  aid. 

261.  Pontiac  undertook  the  capture  of  Detroit  in  person, 
At  this  spot  a  flourishing  settlement  had  grown  up,  consist 
ing  chiefly  of  French  families  occupied  in  tilling  the  ground 
and  trading  with  the  surrounding  Indians.  To  obtain  en 
trance  into  the  fort  for  himself  and  his  warriors,  the  Ottawa 
chief  suggested  a  council  for  "brightening  the  chain  of 
friendship".  Unsuspicious  of  treason,  Major  Gladwin,  the 
commandant,  agreed  to  his  proposal.  At  a  given  signal  the 
chiefs  were  to  fall  on  him  and  his  attendants,  while  a  general 
attack  was  to  be  made  by  their  confederates  on  such  of  the 
towns-people  as  might  resist.  Fortunately,  the  night  before 
the  intended  massacre,  an  Indian  woman  brought  Gladwin  a 
pair  of  elk-skin  moccasins,  which  she  had  made  for  him. 
Pleased  with  their  appearance,  the  major  ordered  another 
pair ;  but  the  woman  was  unwilling  to  deceive  him  by  prom 
ising  what  she  supposed  could  not  be  performed.  Her  hesi 
tation  attracted  attention,  and,  on  being  questioned,  she  dis 
closed  the  plot.  Accordingly,  at  the  council  Gladwin  and 
his  men  were  on  their  guard.  Pontiac  saw  that  his  intended 
treachery  was  known,  and  dared  not  give  the  signal.  He 
was  allowed  to  depart  with  an  indignant  rebuke  from  the 
commander;  and  the  next  day  but  one  (May  9,  1763),  he 
returned  the  favor  by  laying  siege  to  the  fort. 

For  months  the  garrison  suffered.  Their  provisions  ran 
out,  and  their  sentinels  were  in  constant  danger  of  being 
cut  off  by  Indian  cunning.  It  is  said  that  the  savages 
boiled  and  ate  some  of  their  victims.  No  quarter  was 
shown  on  either  side.  But  the  Indians  were  unused  to  the 


at  Mackinaw  ?  What,  at  Pittsburg?  261.  What  place  did  Pontiac  undertake  to  capture 
In  person?  What  is  said  of  Detroit?  How  did  Pontiac  obtain  entrance  into  the  fort? 
What  treacherous  plot  had  he  laid  ?  How  was  it  defeated  ?  What  took  place  at  the 
council?  What  was  done  May  9, 17C3?  Give  an  account  of  the  siege.  Towards  the 


1T63]         PROPOSALS  OF  PEACE  ACCEPTED.         183 

labor  involved  in  a  siege,  and  before  the  close  of  the  summer 
Pontiac  found  his  forces  diminishing.  Jealousies  broke  out 
among  the  different  nations,  and  finally  the  desertion  of  all 
but  his  own  tribe  compelled  the  great  emperor  of  the  west 
to  give  up  the  undertaking.  He  had  shown  extraordinary 
ability  in  the  management  of  the  war,  and  had  even  estab 
lished  a  bank, — the  first  known  among  the  aborigines.  His 
notes,  which  were  always  punctually  paid,  consisted  of  pieces 
of  bark  containing  the  figure  of  what  he  wanted  to  buy.  and 
the  picture  of  an  otter,  which  he  had  adopted  as  his  hiero 
glyphic  signature.  No  chief  before  him  had  possessed  such 
influence  with  the  western  tribes  or  succeeded  so  well  hi  se 
curing  their  united  action. 

262.  The  Indians  were  now  for  the  most  part  tired  of  war, 
and  willingly  listened  to  the  proposals  of  General  Bradstreet, 
who  had  been  sent  to  the  west  with  1,100  men,  to  attack 
them  or  treat  with  them,  as  might  be  required.  In  June, 
1764,  he  made  a  treaty  with  twenty-two  tribes  at  Niagara. 
The  following  August  he  reached  Detroit,  and  concluded  a 
peace  with  all  the  hostile  nations  except  the  Delawares  and 
Shawnees.  Pontiac,  to  avoid  signing  the  treaty,  retired  to 
the  hunting-grounds  of  the  Illinois.  There  he  attempted  to 
raise  another  confederacy  for  the  same  purpose  as  before. 
He  was  at  last  stabbed  at  a  council,  amid  a  crowd  of  chief 
tains  whom  he  was  trying  to  excite  to  war,  by  a  Peoria  In 
dian  in  the  interest  of  the  English. 

close  of  the  summer,  what  did  Pontiac  find  ?  What  obliged  him  to  raise  the  siege  ? 
How  had  it  been  conducted  ?  Give  an  account  of  Pontiac's  bank.  262.  In  1764,  who 
was  sent  to  the  west  ?  For  what  purpose  ?  How  did  the  Indians  feel  ?  What  was  done 
at  Niagara?  What,  at  Detroit?  How  did  Pontiac  avoid  signing  the  treaty?  What 
became  of  him? 


184  STATE   OF   SOCIETY    IN    THE   COLONIES.  [l76O 


CHAPTER    XXXV. 

STATE    OF    SOCIETY   IN  THE   COLONIES. 

263.  THE  English  colonies  in  America  were  originally  con 
fined  to  the  region  east  of  the  Alleghanies.     At  the  close  of 
the  "  French  and  Indian  War",  a  few  adventurous  pioneers 
pushed  across  the  mountains  and  commenced  settling  in  the 
rich  valleys  of  the  great  western  rivers.     Educated  in  the 
school  of  hardship  and  accustomed  to  rely  upon  themselves, 
they  were  well  fitted  to  struggle  with  the  difficulties  encoun 
tered  in  the  wilderness,  and  to  make  it  blossom  like  the  rose. 
Active,  enterprising,  and  industrious,  they  were  not  long  in 
spreading  out  over  the  fruitful  region  whose  vast  extent  and 
exhaustless  resources  were  even  yet  hardly  appreciated. 

The  whole  population  of  the  thirteen  colonies  in  1760  is 
estimated  at  1,700,000.  Massachusetts  and  Pennsylvania 
were  the  most  populous.  There  were  nearly  300,000  negroes 
in  the  colonies.  They  were  for  the  most  part  slaves,  and 
were  distributed  about  as  follows:  in  New  England,  15,000; 
in  the  Middle  Colonies,  80,000 ;  in  the  Southern  Colonies, 
210,000. 

264.  The  most  populous  cities  in  America  at  this  time  were 
Boston  and  Philadelphia,  each  of  which,  in  1753,  contained 
not  far  from  18,000  inhabitants.     The  population  of  New 
York  was  about  12,000.     The  first  church  in  the  latter  city 
had  been  erected  by  the  Dutch  inside  of  the  fort.     Trinity 
Church  was  built  in  1696  on  its  present  site.     The  houses 
were  not  numbered  before  the  Revolution.     The  price  of 
articles  of  food  was  regulated  by  law,  that  of  beef  being  fixed 
at  4£  pence  a  pound.     The  great  coal  mines  of  America  had 

268.  To  what  region  were  the  English  colonies  first  confined  ?  What  was  done  at  tho 
close  of  the  French  and  Indian  war  ?  What  was  the  character  of  these  pioneers  ?  What 
Is  the  population  of  the  thirteen  colonies  estimated  to  have  heen  in  1760?  What  state* 
were  the  most  populous  ?  How  many  negroes  were  there  and  how  distrihuted  ?  264. 
What  were  the  most  populous  cities  in  America  at  this  time?  How  many  inhabitants 
did  they  contain  in  1753  ?  What  was  the  population  of  New  York  ?  What  is  said  of 
tho  churches  of  New  York?  What,  of  the  prices  of  food?  What,  of  the  fuel  in  use? 


177O] 


EDUCAriONAL    FACILITIES. 


185 


not  yet  been  opened,  and  wood  was  the  only  kind  of  fuel 
in  use. 

Albany  was  occupied  by  the  descendants  of  old  Dutch 
settlers,  who  were  noted  for  their  hospitality.  A  Swedish 
traveller  tells  us  that  the  people  had  seats  on  the  stoops  of 
their  dwellings,  which  in  the  evening  were  filled  with  young 
people,  and  that  passers  by  were  "obliged  to  greet  every 
body  unless  they  would  shock  the  politeness  of  this  town". 


SCENE   IN   ALBANT   IN   17TO. 

265.  Previous  to  the  Revolution,  nine  colleges  had  been 
established  in  the  colonies,  in  the  following  order  :  Harvard, 
William  and  Mary,  Yale,  Princeton,  Columbia  (originally 
called  King's),  Brown,  Rutgers  (then  Queen's),  Dartmouth, 
Hampden  and  Sydney.  The  first  medical  college  was  founded 
at  Philadelphia  in  1764.  The  young  people  of  these  early  times 
were  far  from  having  the  educational  advantages  enjoyed  at 
the  present  day.  There  were  no  public  schools,  and  often 
in  large  districts  no  schools  of  any  kind  for  the  greater  part 

By  whom  was  Albany  occupied  ?  What  does  a  Swedish  traveller  say  about  this  place ! 
165.  Name,  in  their  order,  the  colleges  established  before  the  Eevolution.  When  and 
Where  was  the  first  medical  college  founded  ?  What  is  said  of  the  educational  advan- 


186  STATE    OF   SOCIETY    IN    THE   COLONIES. 

of  the  year.  Public  libraries  were  almost  unknown.  There 
was  a  small  collection  of  books  in  the  City  Hall  of  New  York, 
which  were  lent  out  to  readers  at  4J  pence  a  week.  In  1754, 
a  subscription  was  started,  which  resulted  in  the  establish 
ment  of  the  New  York  Society  Library. 

In  1700,  there  were  but  four  printing-presses  in  the  colo 
nies.  The  first  American  newspaper,  the  Boston  News  Let- 
ter,  was  issued  in  1704.  In  1741,  Franklin  published  the 
first  magazine,  at  Philadelphia.  In  1750,  there  were  only 
seven  newspapers  in  circulation,  and  no  daily  was  attempted 
till  42  years  afterwards,  when  the  Federal  Orrery  was  com 
menced  at  Boston.  Few  books  were  published  before  the 
Revolution,  and  these  were  principally  histories,  religious 
treatises,  or  political  essays.  No  great  poem  or  work  of  fic 
tion  had  yet  been  produced  in  America. 

266.  Manufactures  at  an  early  period  engaged  the  atten 
tion  of  the  colonists,  especially  at  the  north.  What  they 
needed  for  their  own  comfort  was  readily  supplied,  and  they 
soon  commenced  producing  different  articles  for  export. 
Iron,  hides,  leather,  and  hats,  were  sent  over  to  the  old  world, 
with  considerable  profit,  till  the  government,  fearing  the  ef 
fect  of  this  competition  on  manufacturing  industry  at  home, 
discouraged  their  exportation.  This  was  the  case  particu 
larly  with  hats,  which  the  people  of  New  England  produced 
in  such  quantities,  that  we  are  told,  if  not  restrained,  they 
would  soon  have  supplied  the  world  with  them. 

With  equal  disregard  for  the  interests  of  the  colonies,  the 
British  government  had  sought  to  stifle  with  various  restric 
tions  the  spirit  of  commercial  enterprise  in  America.  A 
brisk  coast  trade,  however,  was  carried  on.  The  fisheries 
were  not  neglected ;  and  the  bold  seamen  of  New  England 


taires  afforded  in  these  early  times?  What  is  said  of  public  libraries?  What  two  are 
mentioned  in  New  York?  In  1700,  how  many  printing-presses  were  in  the  colonies? 
When  was  the  first  American  newspaper  issued?  When,  the  first  magazine  ?  When, 
the  first  daily  paper  ?  What  was  it  called?  What  is  said  of  books  before  the  Eevolu- 
ilon  ?  266.  Where  did  manufactures  receive  special  attention  ?  What  articles  were 
manufacture-d  for  export?  What  is  said  of  the  hats  made  in  New  England?  What 
measures  were  adopted  by  the  British  government  ?  What  was  the  policy  of  Great 
Britain  with  regard  to  the  commerce  of  tho  colonies  ?  What  progress  had  been  made 


1712]  PROGRESS   IN   AGRICULTURE.  187 

had  even  vied  with  the  Dutch  in  pushing  out  into  the  frozen 
seas  of  the  north  in  search  of  whales.  At  first  they  confined 
their  efforts  to  the  smaller  kinds;  but  in  1712,  one  of  the 
adventurous  whalemen  of  Nantucket  met,  far  out  at  sea,  one 
of  the  largest  species,  and  after  a  terrible  battle  succeeded 
in  bringing  it  into  port.  Thus  was  a  new  impulse  given  to 
the  whale  fishery  in  New  England. 

267.  Agriculture,  however,  was  the  main  reliance  of  the 
great  body  of  the  people.     The  richness  of  the  primeval  soil 
well  repaid  the  husbandman  for  his  labor.     Maize,  tobacco, 
and  the  potato  were  extensively  cultivated  in  the  sunny  fields 
of  Virginia  and  the  adjacent  colonies.     Rice  and  indigo  were 
raised  abundantly  in  South  Carolina.     Cotton  received  atten 
tion  in  the  south,  and  began  to  be  spun  and  woven.     Fifteen 
years  before  the  Revolution,  the  wife  of  Washington  kept 
sixteen  spinning-wheels  running,  and  wore  the  fabrics  made 
in  her  house  under  her  own  direction.     The  people  of  North 
Carolina  lived  in  ease  and  plenty,  relying  much  on  hunting 
and  fishing.     Maize,  tar,  and  turpentine  were  the  principal 
products  of  their  domain.     In  the  north,  foreign  as  well  as 
native  grains  and  vegetables  were  everywhere  raised.     Bar 
ley  was  cultivated  in  New  England  from  the  time  of  its  first 
settlement.     Gosnold  sowed  it  in  Martha's  Vineyard  in  1602. 

268.  Travelling  facilities  at  the  time  we  are  speaking  of 
were  exceedingly  limited.     Railroads,  steamboats,  and  even 
stage-coaches  were  unknown.     Passengers  were  conveyed 
from  point  to  point  on  the  coast  in  small  sloops  navigated  by 
a  man  and  a  boy.     They  engaged  to  run  from  New  York  to 
Philadelphia  in  three  dajs,  unless  in  passing  through  the 
Narrows  they  were  driven  too  far  out  to  sea,  in  which  case 
the  voyage  might  take  a  week  or  more.     New  Jersey  was 
crossed  by  land  in  wagons,  which  started  twice  a  week  from 

by  the  colonists  in  commercial  matters  ?  How  was  a  new  impulse  given  to  the  whale- 
ttshery  in  New  England  ?  267.  What  was  the  main  reliance  of  the  colonists  ?  What  was 
tbe  general  character  of  the  soil?  What  were  raised  throughout  the  south?  What, 
particularly  in  South  Carolina?  What  is  said  of  cotton  ?  What  is  said  of  the  wife  of 
Washington  ?  How  did  the  people  of  North  Carolina  live  ?  "What  were  their  principal 
products  ?  What  were  raised  in  the  north  ?  Where  was  barley  cultivated  ?  263.  What 
is  said  of  travelling  facilities  at  this  time  ?  How  were  passengers  carried  from  point  to 


188  CAUSES    OF   THE    REVOLUTION.  [lT65 

New  York.  In  1765,  a  new  line  was  established,  consisting 
of  wagons  without  springs.  The  next  year,  a  third  line  start 
ed,  which  promised  to  make  the  journey  from  New  York  to 
Philadelphia  in  two  days  ;  from  this  unprecedented  speed  ita 
vehicles  were  called  "  flying  machines".  The  first  stage-coach 
in  America  commenced  running  in  1772  from  Boston  to 
Providence,  taking  two  days  to  go  that  distance. 


CHAPTER    XXXVI. 

CAUSES    OF   THE   AMERICAN   REVOLUTION. 

269.  THE  people  of  America  were  descendants  of  men  who 
nad  fled  from  oppression,  and  braved  the  hardships  of  the 
wilderness  for  the  blessings  of  civil  and  religious  liberty. 
They  had  endured  incredible  sufferings,  and  through  their 
own  unaided  industry  had  at  last  prospered  and  grown 
strong.  When  poor  and  feeble,  they  had  been  neglected 
by  the  mother  country  ;  as  soon  as  they  became  worth  gov 
erning,  Britain  had  sent  them  governors  ;  and  now  that  they 
were  growing  rich,  she  sought  to  increase  her  revenue  by 
taxing  them.  A  pretext  was  not  wanting.  Heavy  expenses 
had  been  incurred  by  the  home  government  for  the  protec 
tion  of  the  colonies  in  the  French  and  Indian  war ;  and  these, 
it  was  claimed,  should  be  reimbursed.  The  commanders 
sent  over  had  been  generally  incompetent,  and  much  of  their 
success  was  due  to  the  colonial  troops  and  officers  who  served 
under  them  ;  yet  the  Americans  would  not  have  objected  to 
contributing  their  share,  had  they  been  allowed  a  voice  in 
laying  the  tax  or  directing  how  it  should  be  appropriated. 
Having  no  representatives  in  Parliament,  however,  they 


point  on  the  coast  ?  How  long  did  it  take  to  make  the  passage  from  New  York  to  Phil 
adelphia?  Give  an  account  of  the  different  lines  that  ran  across  New  Jersey.  When 
did  the  first  stage-coach  in  America  commence  running?  On  what  route?  How  long 
did  it  take  to  make  the  journey  ? 

269.  From  whom  were  the  people  of  America  descended?  How  were  they  treated 
by  the  mother  country?  What  pretext  was  assigned  for  taxing  them  ?  Why  did  the 
Americans  object  to  contributing  their  share  of  the  expense?  How  had  the  ministers 


1 700]  WRITS   OF   ASSISTANCE.  189 

claimed  that  Parliament  had  no  right  to  tax  them.  The 
ministers  of  George  II.  had  not  only  asserted  the  right,  but 
exercised  it  by  laying  duties  on  various  imported  articles. 
The  question  was  freely  discussed  throughout  America,  and 
everywhere  a  unanimous  voice  rose  from  the  people  that 
taxation  without  representation  was  unjust  and  intolerable. 
The  law  imposing  the  obnoxious  duties  was  declared  uncon 
stitutional  and  oppressive.  In  New  England  it  was  con 
stantly  evaded  by  secretly  conveying  the  taxable  articles 
ashore  and  concealing  them  from  the  collectors.  To  put  a 
stop  to  this  practice,  on  the  accession  of  George  III.  in  1760, 
edicts  were  issued  commanding  all  sheriffs  and  constables  to 
aid  the  collectors,  when  called  upon,  in  breaking  open  and 
searching  cellars,  houses,  or  vessels,  that  were  suspected  ot 
containing  concealed  goods. 

Salem  was  the  first  place  at  which  it  was  attempted  to 
enforce  this  law.  The  inhabitants  denied  the  right  of  offi 
cers  to  force  their  dwellings,  and  the  Supreme  Court  directed 
that  the  question  should  be  argued  at  Boston.  The  people 
were  represented  by  James  O'-tis,  an  eloquent  and  able  law 
yer,  who  had  been  Advocate-general  for  the  crown,  but  re 
signed  his  office  rather  than  enforce  an  unconstitutional  law. 
Otis'  speech  on  this  question  produced  a  thrilling  effect  on 
the  vast  concourse  that  heard  it.  It  was  the  ablest  defence 
of  popular  rights  yet  put  forth,  and  confirmed  the  patriots 
of  Massachusetts  in  their  resolution  to  resist  even  by  force  of 
arms. 

270.  At  the  south,  too,  the  same  spirit  was  rife.  In  Vir 
ginia,  the  Church  of  England  was  established  by  law,  and 
its  ministers  had  been  voted  an  annual  salary  of  16,000  pounds 
of  tobacco  each.  In  1758,  a  year  of  scarcity,  with  the  view 
of  relieving  the  people,  it  was  enacted  by  the  colonial  legis 
lature  that  the  salaries  of  the  clergy,  as  well  as  other  public 

of  George  II.  exercised  this  alleged  right  ?  What  position  was  maintained  by  the  colo 
nists?  How  was  the  law  imposing  the  offensive  duties  evaded?  What  was  done  on 
the  accession  of  George  III.?  Where  was  the  first  attempt  made  to  enforce  this  law? 
What  position  did  the  people  of  Salem  take  ?  Where  was  the  question  argued  ?  Who 
ipoke  in  behalf  of  the  people  ?  What  was  the  effect  of  Otis'  speech  ?  270.  Where  else 
was  the  same  spirit  rife?  What  difficulty  had  arisen  between  the  clergy  and  the  peo- 


190  CAUSES    OF   THE   REVOLUTION.  [1703 

dues,  might  be  paid  in  cash,  each  pound  of  tobacco  being 
rated  at  two  pence,  which  was  below  its  real  value.  The 
clergy  resisted,  and  the  king  refused  to  sign  the  act.  Sev 
eral  years  passed,  and  in  1763  the  clergy  brought  a  suit  for 
damages.  The  cause  of  the  people  was  in  the  hands  of  Pat 
rick  Henry. 

This  distinguished  man  was  born  in  Virginia,  in  1736.  A 
lover  of  nature,  he  had  preferred  rural  pleasures  and  solitary 
forest  rambles  to  his  books,  and  had  grown  up  with  a  mind 
strong  but  not  cultivated,  and  an  education  varied  rather 
than  profound.  He  had  tried  mercantile  pursuits  and  farm 
ing  without  success,  and  at  last,  turning  his  attention  to  the 
law,  was  licensed  after  six  weeks'  study.  He  had  reached 
the  age  of  twenty-seven  without  distinction ;  and  now  he 
stood  in  the  old  Hanover  court-house,  before  the  most  learn 
ed  of  the  colony,  the  triumphant  clergy  smiling  at  his  awk 
wardness,  and  many  an  anxious  eye  bent  on  him  in  the 
crowded  audience. 

The  commencement  of  his  speech  made  little  impression  ; 
but  as  the  young  orator  warmed  with  his  subject,  his  eye 
lighted  up  with  genius,  his  figure  became  erect,  his  expres 
sion  grand,  his  action  bold,  his  voice  commanding,  his  words 
impassioned,  his  arguments  irresistible.  Men  looked  at  each 
other  in  surprise,  then  fascinated  drank  in  with  eyes  and  ears, 
in  deathlike  silence,  the  eloquence  of  the  gifted  speaker.  The 
clergy  shrank  in  alarm  from  his  scathing  sarcasm ;  and  the 
jury,  under  the  spell  of  his  glowing  appeals,  returned  a  ver 
dict  of  one  penny  damages.  The  people  shouted  with  de 
light  at  their  unexpected  triumph,  and  bore  their  gallant 
champion  from  the  court-house  on  their  shoulders. 

271.  Meanwhile  the  British  ministry,  no  longer  guided  by 
the  liberal  counsels  of  Pitt,  pushed  through  Parliament  a 
bill,  which  laid  an  impost  on  wines,  increased  the  duty  on 
sugar,  and  provided  for  the  more  rigid  enforcement  of  the 

pie?  In  1763,  what  did  the  clergy  do?  Who  pleaded  the  cause  of  the  people?  Giva 
H  sketch  of  the  previous  history  of  Patrick  Henry.  How  old  was  he  at  this  time  ?  Give 
an  account  of  his  triumph  in  Hanover  court-house.  What  verdict  was  returned  ?  How 
did  the  people  reward  their  champion  ?  271.' What  injudicious  bill  was  next  passed  by 


1765]  PASSAGE    OF   THE    STAMP    ACT.  191 

»  t 

regulations  for  collecting  the  revenue.  Even  before  the  pas 
sage  of  this  bill  was  announced,  the  principle  it  involved  was 
condemned  in  the  strongest  terms  in  a  town-meeting  at 
Boston.  Samuel  Adams,  a  stout-hearted  patriot,  who  had 
already  proved  that  taxation  and  representation  were  insep 
arable,  protested  in  the  name  of  the  people  against  the  as 
sumption  by  Parliament  of  powers  fatal  to  liberty  and  incon 
sistent  with  the  rights  to  which  every  Briton  was  born. 
y&lk  In  1*765,  the  famous  Stamp  Act  was  passed.  It  had 
long  been  contemplated  by  the  enemies  of  America,  but  no 
British  statesman  up  to  this  time  had  ventured  to  urge  its 
passage.  According  to  its  provisions,  no  deed,  bond,  note, 
lease,  contract,  or  other  legal  document,  was  valid,  without 
a  stamp,  costing,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  instrument, 
from  3  pence  to  £6.  Every  newspaper,  pamphlet,  almanac, 
&c.,  was  also  required  to  bear  a  stamp,  costing  from  a  half 
penny  to  4  pence ;  and  on  each  advertisement  they  contained 
a  duty  of  two  shillings  was  imposed.  The  passage  of  this  act 
seemed  to  sound  the  knell  of  freedom  in  America.  "  The 
sun  of  liberty  is  set,"  wrote  Franklin  to  Charles  Thompson, 
the  future  secretary  of  Congress ;  "  the  Americans  must  light 
the  lamps  of  industry  and  economy."  "  Be  assured,"  was 
his  friend's  answer,  "we  shall  light  torches  of  a  very  differ 
ent  character."  Such  was  the  general  feeling  of  the  colo 
nists — war,  rather  than  submission  to  injustice. 

The  House  of  Burgesses  of  Virginia  was  in  session  when 
the  news  arrived.  Odious  as  the  measure  was,  there  was 
danger  in  opposing  it,  and  no  one  dared  to  introduce  the 
subject.  Patrick  Henry  was  the  youngest  member.  After 
waiting  in  vain  for  older  men  to  lead  the  way,  he  hastily 
drew  up  on  the  blank  leaf  of  an  old  law-book  five  resolutions, 
which  in  strong  terms  asserted  the  rights  of  the  colonies  and 
denied  the  authority  of  Parliament  to  impose  taxes  upon 
them.  The  reading  of  these  resolutions  produced  unbounded 

Parliament?  Before  the  news  arrived,  where  was  the  principle  it  involved  strongly 
y>ndemned  ?  What  did  Samuel  Adams  do  ?  272.  In  1765,  what  act  was  passed  ?  What 
was  the  substance  of  the  Stamp  Act  ?  *  On  its  enactment,  what  did  Franklin  write  to  one 
ef  his  friends  ?  What  was  his  friend's  reply  ?  What  was  the  general  feeling  throughout 
the  colonies  ?  What  body  was  in  session  when  the  news  arrived  ?  State  what  took 


192 


CAUSES    OF   THE    REVOLUTION. 


1763 


consternation  in  the  House.  The  Speaker  and  many  of  the 
members  were  royalists,  and  a  protracted  and  violent  debate 
followed.  But  the  eloquence  of  Henry  bore  down  all  oppo 
sition.  Indignant  at  the  attempt  to  inthrall  his  country,  the 
fearless  orator,  hi  the  midst  of  an  impassioned  harangue, 


PATRICK    HENRY    BKKOKE 

THE   HOUSE  OF 

BURGESSES 

exclaimed,  "  Caesar  had  his  Brutus. 
Charles  I.  his  Cromwell,  and  George 

III. "      "Treason!"    shouted   the 

Speaker.  "Treason!  Treason!"  was 
heard  in  different  parts  of  the  House. 
"And  George  III.,"  repeated  Henry, 
with  flashing  eye  and  unfaltering  voice,  "  may  profit  by 
their  example.  If  that  be  treason,  make  the  most  of  it." 
Again  the  young  mountaineer  triumphed.  The  resolutions 
were  carried.  They  were  circulated  throughout  the  colo- 

place  in  the  House  of  Burgesses.     What  was  the  effect  of  Patrick  Henry's  eloquence? 


1765]  EXCITEMENT    AGAINST   THE   STAMP   ACT.  198 

nies,  and  everywhere  excited  the  same  determined  spirit 
that  they  breathed. 

Among  those  who  listened  to  the  inspiring  words  of  Pat 
rick  Henry  on  this  occasion,  was  a  young  Virginian,  destined 
to  play  no  unimportant  part  in  liis  country's  history.  It  was 
Thomas  Jefferson,  then  a  student  twenty-two  years  old. 
Standing  in  the  lobby,  he  heard  the  whole  discussion.  The 
words  of  the  eloquent  patriot  found  an  abiding  echo  in  his 
heart,  and  awakened  there  the  sentiment  which  directed  all 
his  future  conduct — that  "  resistance  to  tyrants  is  obedience 
to  God". 

273.  The  indignation  of  the  people  at  the  passage  of  the 
Stamp  Act  was  not  confined  to  Virginia.  Similar  resolutions 
to  those  of  Patrick  Henry  were  passed  in  New  York,  Massa 
chusetts,  and  elsewhere.  Early  in  October,  1765,  delegates 
from  nine  colonies  assembled  at  New  York,  and  drew  up  a 
declaration  of  their  grievances  and  rights.  A  petition  em- ' 
bodying  then'  views  was  forwarded  to  both  king  and  Par 
liament. 

The  Act  was  to  go  into  effect  on  the  first  of  November, 
and  the  excitement  became  intense  as  the  day  approached. 
Those  who  were  appointed  to  sell  the  stamps  were  burned 
in  effigy,  and  compelled  to  resign  or  quit  the  country.  On 
the  arrival  of  stamps  at  the  seaport  towns,  the  flags  were 
placed  at  half-mast,  muffled  bells  were  tolled,  and  the  citizens 
walked  the  streets  attired  in  mourning.  In  New  York,  ten 
boxes  of  stamps  were  destroyed  by  the  people,  and  the  mer 
chants  resolved  to  import  nothing  from  the  mother  country 
till  the  offensive  act  was  repealed.  The  business  men  of 
Philadelphia  and  Boston  followed  this  example.  In  the  latter 
city,  a  handbill  was  posted  at  the  corners,  warning  the  person 
who  should  first  distribute  or  use  stamped  sheets  to  take  care 
of  his  property  and  person.  A  paper  was  issued,  bearing  for 

Who  listened  to  Henry's  words  on  this  occasion  ?  What  feeling  did  they  awaken  in 
him?  How  old  was  Jefferson  at  this  time?  273.  In  what  other  colonies  were  resolu 
tions  against  the  Stamp  Act  passed?  What  took  place  in  October,  1765?  When  was 
the  Stump  Act  to  go  into  effect?  What  was  done  to  the  stamp  officers?  How  did  the 
inhabitants  express  their  indignation  when  the  stamps  arrived?  What  was  done  in 
New  York ?  What,  in  Boston?  What  significant  device  was  adopted  by  a  newspaper? 

9 


194:  CAUSES   OF   THE   REVOLUTION. 

its  device  a  snake,  on  the  head  of  which  were  the  letters 
N.  E.  [New  England],  while  the  bod)7  was  divided  into  sev 
eral  pieces,  marked  with  the  initials  of  the  other  colonies. 
The  motto,  Join  or  die,  explained  its  meaning.  In  New 
Hampshire,  on  the  morning  of  the  eventful  day,  the  bells 
tolled,  and  the  people  assembled  as  if  for  a  funeral  procession. 
A  coffin  bearing  the  name  of  LIBERTY  was  borne  to  a  grave 
on  the  shoulders  of  eight  persons,  to  the  sound  of  minute- 
guns.  A  funeral  oration  was  pronounced,  and  the  coffin  was 
lowered  into  the  grave.  Suddenly  signs  of  life  appeared. 
It  was  raised  to  the  surface,  and  now  bore  the  inscription 
LIBERTY  REVIVED.  Enthusiastic  shouts  from  the  multitude 
and  the  triumphant  sound  of  drums  and  trumpets  greeted 
the  resurrection. 

The  meaning  of  these  demonstrations  was  not  to  be  mis 
understood.  It  was  evident  that  the  Stamp  Act  could  be 
enforced  only  by  a  resort  to  arms,  and  from  this  Parliament 
shrunk.  The  wiser  part  began  to  urge  its  repeal,  and  Frank 
lin,  the  agent  for  Pennsylvania,  was  brought  before  the  House 
of  Commons  (February  13,  1766),  and  examined  on  the  va 
rious  points  involved  in  the  controversy.  His  bold  and  can 
did  answers  increased  the  high  reputation  he  already  enjoyed, 
and  called  forth  the  lasting  gratitude  of  his  countrymen.  In 
March,  Parliament  gave  way  to  the  determined  spirit  of  the 
Americans  by  repealing  the  odious  act,  though  it  reasserted 
its  right  "  to  bind  the  colonies  in  all  cases  whatsoever". 

274.  Harmony  might  now  have  been  restored,  had  not  the 
enemies  of  America,  mortified  at  their  recent  defeat,  suc 
ceeded  in  passing  through  Parliament  an  act  for  imposing  a 
duty  on  all  tea,  glass,  paper,  and  painters'  colors,  imported 
into  the  colonies.  At  the  same  time,  officers  were  appointed 
to  enforce  the  Acts  of  Navigation  and  Trade,  and  the  au 
thority  of  the  Assembly  of  New  York,  which  had  refused  to 
quarter  British  troops  at  the  expense  of  the  colony,  was  sus- 

What  took  place  in  New  Hampshire?  "What  was  evident  from  these  demonstrations? 
Did  Parliament  like  to  resort  to  arms  ?  What  did  the  wiser  part  urge?  Who  was  ex 
amined  before  the  House  of  Commons?  What  is  said  of  Franklin's  answers?  What 
wns  done  in  March,  1766?  274.  What  now  prevented  harmony  from  being  restored? 


1768] 


MEETINGS   AT   FANEUIL    HALL. 


195 


pended  till  it  should  comply  -with  the  requisitions  of  Par 
liament. 

This  injudicious  course  again  roused  the  indignation  of  the 
colonists,  which  was  increased  in  the  fall  of  1768  by  the  an 
nouncement  that  Parliament  had  determined  to  send  several 
regiments  to  Boston,  to  reduce  the  people  to  submission.  A 
day  of  fasting  and  prayer  was  appointed.  Town-meetings 
and  a  general  convention  of  delegates  from  all  parts  of  the 
province  were  held  at  Fan'-eu-il  Hall,  at  which  the  course  of 


PANK0IL   HAH,  BOSTON. 

the  home  government  was  freely  denounced.  On  the  1st  of 
October,  the  troops  landed.  The  council  refused  to  furnish 
them  quarters,  and  it  was  with  difficulty  that  accommodations 

"What  injudicious  enactments  followed?  What  feeling  was  awakened  in  the  colonies? 
How  was  it  increased  in  the  fall  of  1768  ?  What  action  was  taken  by  the  people?  When 
did  the  troops  land  ?  What  difficulty  awaited  them  ?  What  took  place  at  the  next 


196  CAUSES    OF    THE    REVOLUTION.  [l768 

were  procured  for  them,  even  at  the  expense  of  the  crown. 
When  the  next  General  Court  met,  an  armed  force  was 
found  stationed  in  the  hall.  Otis  and  others  protested 
against  so  tyrannical  an  attempt  to  overawe  the  members ; 
and,  when  the  governor  called  on  the  House  to  pay  for  the 
quartering  of  the  troops,  they  lirmly  refused  to  do  so. 

275.  The  governors  of  the  colonies  at  this  time  were  in 
the  interest  of  the  king,  and  constantly  tried  to  extend  their 
authority  at  the  expense  of  the  people.     Their  subordinates 
followed  their  example,  and  sought  to  enrich  themselves  by 
all  kinds  of  extortion.     In  North  Carolina,  this  was  done  by 
sheriffs,  constables,  and  other  officers,  to  such  an  extent,  that 
the  people  in  some  of  the  southern  settlements,  unable  to 
bear  the  burdens  thus  unjustly  imposed,  rose  in  their  own 
defence.     They  assumed  the  name  of  Regulators,  and  deter 
mined  to  resist  the  payment  of  all  taxes  that  were  not  au 
thorized  by  law  and  honestly  appropriated.    Governor  Try  on 
chose  to  regard  this  movement  as  an  insurrection;  and,  a 
corrupt  grand-jury  supporting  his  views,  he  proceeded  against 
them  with  the  militia  of  the  colony.     The  Regulators  assem 
bled  in  alarm  when  they  heard  that  their  fields  were  being 
devastated  by  Tryon's  forces ;  but,  lacking  arms  and  ammu 
nition,  they  were  easily  defeated.    A  number  of  the  prisoners 
were  hanged.     Some  of  the  best  estates  in  the  country  were 
confiscated  to  the  governor  and  his  satellites ;  and  the  perse 
cuted  Regulators,  though  convicted  of  nothing  more  than  a 
desire  to  have  existing  laws  honestly  executed,  were  obliged 
to  submit  or  flee  to  the  west.     Not  a  few  chose  the  latter 
alternative.     The  Cherokees  granted  them  land,  and  they 
founded  a  republic  w^hich  afterwards  became  the  state  of 
Tennessee.    Try  on  soon  went  to  New  York,  of  which  he  had 
been  appointed  governor,  leaving  North  Carolina  to  discharge 
a  debt  of  $200,000  contracted  by  his  reckless  proceedings. 

276.  The  soldiers  brought  over  for  the  extinction  of  lib- 


TDeeting  of  the  General  Court?  275.  What  is  said  of  the  governors  of  the  colonies  at 
this  time?  What,  of  their  subordinates  ?  What  took  place  in  North  Carolina?  How 
did  Governor  Tryon  choose  to  regard  this  movement  ?  What  steps  did  he  take  ?  What 
was  tho  result  ?  What  was  the  origin  of  the  state  of  Tennessee  ?  "Where  did  Tryon 


S770]  THE    BOSTON    MASSACRE.  197 

erty,  imbibing  the  spirit  of  their  masters,  conducted  them 
selves  so  offensively  that  difficulties  with  the  inhabitants  con 
stantly  occurred.  In  New  York,  early  in  1770,  they  cut 
down  a  liberty  pole  which  had  stood  three  years  in  the  Park. 
An  affray  followed,  in  which  the  people  had  the  advantage, 
and  a  new  pole  was  erected  in  the  upper  part  of  the  city. 
In  Boston,  the  excesses  of  the  soldiers  and  the  injustice  of 
their  officers  in  screening  them  from  punishment,  gave  the 
people  just  grounds  for  complaint.  A  collision  between  the 
troops  and  the  citizens  [in  March,  1770]  was  the  natural  re 
sult.  Three  of  the  latter  were  killed,  and  several  wounded. 
This  event  was  called  "  the  Boston  Massacre".  It  produced 
the  deepest  excitement  and  fatally  widened  the  existing 
breach.  The  townsmen,  with  Samuel  Adams  at  their  head, 
insisted  on  the  immediate  withdrawal  of  the  troops,  and  their 
commander  was  obliged  to  remove  them  to  the  neighbor 
ing  fort. 

An  occurrence  at  Providence  also  showed  the  temper  of 
the  times.  A  royal  schooner,  the  Gaspee,  cruising  near  that 
place,  kept  annoying  the  inhabitants  by  taking  their  prop 
erty,  firing  at  market-boats,  and  illegally  seizing  the  cargoes 
of  such  vessels  as  it  overhauled.  While  chasing  a  packet,  in 
June,  1772,  the  Gaspee  ran  aground.  This  opportunity  was 
not  to  be  lost.  The  same  night,  a  party  from  Providence 
boarded  the  stranded  vessel,  and  set  fire  to  it,  after  putting 
the  crew  ashore.  Every  effort  to  punish  the  perpetrators  of 
the  act  failed. 

277.  The  merchants  of  America  adhered  to  their  resolution 
not  to  import  British  commodities,  and  the  effect  began  to  be 
felt  across  the  Atlantic.  An  appeal  was  made  to  Parliament 
by  London  merchants;  and,  in  1770,  Lord  North  having 
become  prime  minister,  the  offensive  duty  was  removed  from 
every  article  except  tea,  on  which  it  was  retained,  to  show 
that  Parliament  still  claimed  the  right.  It  was  against  this 

sooti  after  go  ?  276.  How  did  the  soldiers  conduct  themselves  towards  the  inhabitants? 
What  took  place  in  New  York  ?  What,  in  Boston  ?  On  what  did  the  people  of  Boston 
Insist?  What  was  the  result?  Give  an  account  of  the  burning  of  the  Gaspee.  277.  To 
what  determination  did  the  merchants  of  America  adhere?  Where  did  the  effect  begin 
to  be  fel  t  ?  What  was  the  consequence  ?  On  what  article  was  tho  tax  retained  ?  Why  ? 


198  CAUSES   OF   THE   REVOLUTION.  [l770 

alleged  right,  however,  and  not  the  tax  itself,  that  the  Amer 
icans  had  contended ;  and  they  were  by  no  means  satisfied 
with  such  tardy  and  partial  concession.  The  use  of  tea  was 
voluntarily  laid  aside ;  and,  to  insure  united  action,  the 
friends  of  liberty  (now  known  as  Whigs,  in  contradistinction 
to  the  Tories,  or  advocates  of  Parliamentary  taxation)  estab 
lished  committees  of  correspondence  in  the  various  colonies. 

No  orders  being  received  from  America,  tea  rapidly  accu 
mulated  in  the  English  warehouses.  The  duty  before  laid 
on  its  exportation  was  now  removed,  with  the  view  of  lower 
ing  the  price,  and  thus  inducing  the  colonists  to  purchase  it 
in  spite  of  the  import  tax.  Cargoes  were  sent  to  different 
American  ports,  but  the  result  showed  that  the  spirit  of  the 
colonies  was  not  yet  understood.  At  New  York  and  Phila 
delphia,  the  ships,  prevented  from  landing  their  cargoes,  were 
sent  back  as  they  came.  At  Charleston,  the  tea  was  stored 
in  damp  cellars,  where  it  was  spoiled.  At  Boston,  the  cap 
tains  would  have  complied  with  the  demands  of  the  citizens 
and  returned  to  London,  but  the  governor-  and  custom-house 
officers  withheld  their  permission.  Finding  the  authorities 
determined  to  force  the  tea  upon  them,  the  people  settled 
the  question  for  themselves.  Seven  thousand  men  assembled 
in  town-meeting  on  the  16th  of  December,  1773,  a  day  mem 
orable  in  history.  Fearless  speeches  were  made  by  Adams, 
Quincy,  and  others ;  at  the  close  of  which,  an  hour  after 
dark,  a  war-whoop  was  raised,  and  about  fifty  persons  dis 
guised  as  Indians  were  seen  to  pass  the  door  in  the  direction 
of  the  wharf  where  the  three  tea-ships  were  moored.  The 
vessels  were  boarded ;  and  the  contents  of  340  chests  of  tea 
were  emptied  into  the  water.  No  resistance  was  offered, 
and  all  the  proceedings  were  conducted  in  the  most  orderly 
manner,  in  the  presence  of  a  vast  concourse. 

As  the  party  were  returning,  they  passed  a  house  at  which 
Admiral  Montague  was  spending  the  evening.  Raising  the 

How  did  the  Americans  show  their  aversion  to  the  principle  ?  To  insure  united  action, 
what  did  the  friends  of  liberty  do  ?  What  was  done  in  England,  to  induce  the  colonists 
to  purchase  tea?  Where  were  cargoes  sent?  What  was  the  result  in  New  York  and 
Philadelphia  ?  In  Charleston  ?  Who  prevented  the  ships  sent  to  Boston  from  return 
ing  ?  What  took  place,  December  16,  1773  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  destruction  of  tho 


1773]  THE   BOSTON    PORT   BILL.  199 

window,  the  admiral  cried,  "  Well,  boys,  you've  had  a  fine 
night  for  your  Indian  caper.  But  mind,  you've  got  to  pay 
the  fiddler  yet."  "  Oh !  never  mind,"  replied  one  of  the 
leaders,  "  never  mind,  squire !  just  come  out  here,  if  you 
please,  and  we'll  settle  the  bill  in  two  minutes !"  The  ad 
miral  preferred  letting  the  bill  stand,  and  quickly  shut  down 
the  window. 

278.  This  bold  act  provoked  Parliament  to  pass  the  "  Bos 
ton  Port  Bill",  which  forbade  the  masters  of  vessels  to  take 
in  or  discharge  cargoes  in  that  harbor.     The  Virginia  House 
of  Burgesses  was  in  session  when  the  news  of  this  retaliatory 
measure  was  received ;  a  protest  against  it  was  at  once  en 
tered  on  their  journal.     Governor  Dunmore,  to  show  his  dis 
approval  of  their  action,  the  next  day  dissolved  the  House. 
They  separated,  but  only  to  meet  elsewhere  and  pass  strong- 
resolutions,  declaring  an  attack  on  one  colony  an  attack  on 
all,  and  recommending  a  general  congress  for  the  purpose  of 
deciding  on  some  common  course.     Similar  resolutions  were 
passed  in  Massachusetts,  and  by  common  consent  it  was  or 
dered  that  a  congress  of  delegates  from  all  the  colonies  should 
meet  at  Philadelphia  in  September. 

279.  Meanwhile   General  Gage  (unfavorably  known  in 
connection  with  Braddock's  defeat)  had  been  appointed  gov 
ernor  of  Massachusetts.      His  rash  measures  hastened  the 
approaching  crisis.     He  tried  to  weaken  the  cause  of  free 
dom  by  buying  over  Samuel  Adams  with  a  high  office.    But 
this  true-hearted  man,  justly  regarded  as  the  leader  of  the 
patriotic  movements  in  Boston,  whom  Jefierson  afterwards 
pronounced  "  wise  in  council,  fertile  in  resources,  and  im 
movable  in  his  purposes",  was  as  incorruptible  as  he  was 
brave.     "  I  trust,"  replied  he  to  Gage's  messenger,  "  I  have 
long-  since  made  my  peace  with  the  King  of  kings,  and  no 
personal  consideration  shall  induce  me  to  abandon  the  righ- 

tea.  What  story  is  told  of  Admiral  Montague?  278.  How  did  Parliament  punish  Bos 
ton  for  this  bold  proceeding?  What  did  the  Boston  Port  Bill  provide  ?  When  the  news 
of  its  passage  reached  Virginia,  what  action  was  taken  by  the  House  of  Burgesses? 
How  did  Gov.  Dunmore  show  his  disapproval?  What  did  the  Assembly  do  after  their 
dissolution?  What  was  ordered  by  common  consent  ?  279.  Meanwhile,  who  had  been 
cpr  ointed  governor  of  Massachusetts  ?  What  course  did  Gage  pursue  ?  What  passed 


200  CAUSES    OF    THE    REVOLUTION.  [l774 

teous  cause  of  my  country.  Tell  Governor  Gage,  it  is  the 
advice  of  Samuel  Adams  to  him,  no  longer  to  insult  the  feel 
ings  of  an  exasperated  people." 

280.  On  the  5th  of  September,  1774,  the  Continental  Con- 
gress  met  at  Carpenter's   Hall,  Philadelphia.      Fifty-three 
delegates  appeared,  the  ablest  men  of  America,  representing 
every  colony  but  Georgia.     It  was  a  solemn  meeting,  for  it 
involved  the  destiny  of  America.     Adams  was  there,  and 
Washington,  Richard  Henry  Lee,  of  Virginia,  and  Patrick 
Henry,  never  deaf  to  his  country's  call.     There  was  but  one 
voice  in  the  Assembly,  one  feeling — never  to  submit.     A 
petition  was  addressed  to  the  obstinate  king,  whose  infatu 
ated  course  was  flinging  the  brightest  jewel  from  his  crown ; 
an  appeal  was  made  to  the  people  of  Great  Britain;  but 
preparations  for  the  worst  were  not  forgotten. 

281.  Despite  the  efforts  of  Gage,  the  Assembly  of  Massa 
chusetts  met  in  October,  1774.     John  Hancock,  a  graduate 
of  Harvard  and  one  of  the  ablest  statesmen  of  the  Revolu 
tion,  was  elected  president.     Active  preparations  were  made 
for  the  war,  which  it  now  required  little  sagacity  to  foresee. 
Measures  were  taken  for  organizing  the  militia.     Officers 
were  appointed,  and  a  committee  of  safety  was  empowered 
to  call  the  citizens  together  whenever  circumstances  required. 
The  people,  too,  did  their  part.    There  was  no  shrinking  from 
the  impending  struggle.     The  anniversary  of  "  the  Boston 
massacre"  was  solemnly  celebrated  in  that  city ;  on  which 
occasion,  Dr.  Joseph  Warren,  afterwards  a  martyr  to  liberty 
at  Bunker  Hill,  setting  the  threats  of  British  officials  at  de 
fiance,  stirred  the  deepest  sympathies  and  strongest  passions 
of  an  immense  audience. 

282.  Even  the  boys  of  Boston  caught  the  spirit  of  their 
sires.     They  were  wont  to  amuse  themselves  in  winter  by 
building  snow-houses  and  skating  on  a  pond  in  the  Common. 

between  him  and  Samuel  Adams  ?  280.  Where  did  the  first  Continental  Congress  meet? 
When?  How  many  delegates  attended?  What  colonies  were  represented?  Name 
fume  who  were  present.  What  was  the  unanimous  feeling  of  the  assembly?  What 
action  did  they  take  ?  281.  When  did  the  next  Assembly  meet  in  Massachusetts  ?  Who 
was  elected  president  ?  What  steps  were  taken?  How  was  the  anniversary  of  "the 
"Huston  massacre"  observed?  282.  What  injuries  did  the  boys  of  Boston  receive  from 


177 5j          GENERAL    GAGE   AND   THE   BOSTON    BOYS. 


201 


The  soldiers  wantonly  interfered  with  their  sports,  and  their 
complaints  to  the  inferior  officers  were  disregarded  and  even 
ridiculed.  A  number  of  the  largest  boys  at  last  waited  on 
General  Gage  and  informed  him  that  they  had  come  for  sat 
isfaction.  "  What !"  said  Gage  ;  "  have  your  fathers  been 


GENERAL   GAGE   AND   THE    BOSTON    BOYS. 


teaching  you  rebellion,  and  sent  you  here  to  exhibit  it  ?" 
"  Nobody  sent  us,"  answered  the  leader,  with  flashing  eye. 
u  We  have  never  injured  your  troops  ;  but  they  have  tram 
pled  down  our  snow-hills  and  broken  the  ice  of  our  skating 
pond.  We  complained,  and  they  called  us  young  rebels, 
and  told  us  to  help  ourselves  if  we  could.  We  told  the  cap 
tain,  and  he  laughed  at  us.  Yesterday  our  works  were  de 
stroyed  for  the  third  time,  and  we  will  bear  it  no  longer." 
The  British  general  could  not  restrain  his  admiration.  "  The 
very  children  here,"  he  exclaimed,  "  draw  in  a  love  of  lib 
erty  with  the  air  they  breathe.  Go,  my  brave  boys,  and  be 
assured  if  my  troops  trouble  you  again  they  shall  be  pun 
ished." 

283.  In  March,  1775,  the  Virginia  legislature  again  as- 

the  soldiers?    To  whom  did  they  complain ?    Eelate  what  passed  between  them  and 

9* 


202  CAUSES    OF    THE   REVOLUTION;  [1775 

sembled.  Patrick  Henry,  the  great  orator  of  the  Revolution, 
was  a  member.  Believing  war  inevitable,  he  introduced 
resolutions  providing  for  the  organization  of  a  republican 
army,  and  in  their  support  delivered  a  memorable  speech 
whose  electrical  effect  can  now  hardly  be  imagined,  though 
it  will  never  be  read  without  emotion.  "  I  know  not  what 
course  others  may  take,"  said  he,  after  kindling  the  spirits  of 
those  who  listened  with  his  burning  eloquence,  "  but  for  me, 
give  me  liberty  or  give  me  death." 

The  struggle  was  at  hand.  An  appeal  to  the  God  of  bat 
tles  alone  was  left. 

284.  Before  entering  on  the  history  of  the  contest,  it  is 
necessary  to  glance  at  an  important  event  in  the  southwest. 
The  treaty  of  Paris  had  transferred  Louisiana  from  France 
to  Spain,  contrary  to  the  wishes  of  its  people.  Their  re 
pugnance  to  the  change  was  heightened  in  1768  by  the  ar 
rival  of  a  Spanish  governor  of  haughty  manners  and  arbitrary 
principles,  who  enforced  the  restrictive  system  of  his  country, 
to  the  great  injury  of  their  commerce.  Attached  to  the 
French  crown,  and  feeling  that  they  ought  not  to  be  trans 
ferred  from  one  king  to  another  without  their  own  consent, 
the  people  of  New  Orleans,  supported  by  those  of  the  coun 
try  parishes,  established  an  independent  republic,  and  the 
Spanish  governor,  unable  to  exercise  his  authority,  retired  to 
Havana.  The  new  government  lasted  not  long.  General 
O'Reilly  [ri'-le],  sent  over  with  an  army  for  that  purpose, 
restored  Spanish  authority,  and  the  leaders  of  the  liberal 
movement  expiated  their  offence  in  dungeons  or  on  the  gal 
lows. 

Gen.  Gage.  283.  When  did  the  Virginia  legislature  again  assemble?  What  resolutions 
were  introduced  by  Patrick  Henry  ?  What  is  said  of  the  speech  he  delivered  in  their 
support?  284.  How  was  Louisiana  affected  by  the  treaty  of  Paris?  How  was  tbia 
change  liked  by  the  people  ?  What  increased  their  aversion  to  it  ?  What  bold  step  did 
they  take  ?  What  was  the  fate  of  the  movement  and  its  leaders  ? 


PART    III. 

REVOLUTIONARY  PERIOD, 

EXTENDING  FROM  THE  BREAKING  OUT  OF  THE  REVOLU 
TION,  A.  D.  1775,  TO  THE  ORGANIZATION  OF  A  GOV 
ERNMENT  UNDER  THE  FEDERAL  CONSTITUTION,  1789. 


CHAPTER   I. 

BATTLE     OF     LEXINGTON. 

285.  AN  act  of  Parliament,  passed  in  February,  1775,  de 
clared  that  a  rebellion  existed  in  Massachusetts,  and  that  an 
additional  force  should  be  sent  over  to  Boston.  About 
3,000  British  troops  were  already  there.  Boston  Neck, 
which  connected  the  peninsula  on  which  the  rebellious  town 
was  built  with  the  main  land,  had  been  fortified  by  Gage, 
and  a  line  of  sentinels  stationed  there  cut  off  the  inhabitants 
from  communication  with  the  surrounding  country.  The 
patriots,  however,  had  secretly  conveyed  their  cannon,  as 
well  as  a  quantity  of  powder  and  cartridges,  out  of  the  city, 
concealing  them  in  loads  of  manure  with  which  they  passed 
the  guard  unsuspected.  Their  principal  depot  was  at  Con 
cord,  about  eighteen  miles  northwest  of  Boston.  Of  this 
Gage  was  aware ;  and  he  resolved  to  send  a  strong  detach 
ment  thither,  to  destroy  their  stores  and  secure  the  persons 
of  Hancock  and  Samuel  Adams,  whom  he  supposed  to  be  in 
that  vicinity.  Arrangements  were  made  with  the  greatest 
secrecy;  and  on  the  18th  of  April,  1775,  an  hour  before 

2S5,  What  was  declared  by  act  of  Parliament,  February,  1775?  How  mar,y  British 
troops  were  already  in  Boston?  What  precautions  had  been  taken  by  Gage?  How 
had  the  patriots  evaded  them?  Where  was  the  principal  depot  of  the  Americans? 
What  did  Gage  resolve  to  do  ?  For  M-hat  purposes  ?  What  took  place,  April  18, 1775  P 


204  BATTLE    OF   LEXINGTON. 

midnight,  800  men  under  Lieutenant-colonel  Smith  set  out 
for  Concord. 

Notwithstanding  the  precautions  of  the  British  general, 
the  vigilant  Warren  had  penetrated  his  designs ;  and  hardly 
had  the  expedition  started  when  messengers  were  dispatched 
by  different  routes  to  give  the  alarm.  A  lantern  was  sus 
pended  in  the  steeple  of  the  North  Church,  which  was  seen 
by  the  people  of  Charlestown,  and  they  also  sent  trusty  men 
to  alarm  the  country.  Smith  had  not  advanced  far  before  he 
heard  the  sound  of  musketry  and  the  ringing  of  bells ;  and, 
apprehending  danger,  he  sent  back  for  reinforcements,  and 
threw  out  a  detachment  in  advance  to  secure  the  bridges. 

Before  five  the  next  morning,  the  British  advanced  guard, 
commanded  by  Major  Pitcairn,  reached  Lexington  [see  Map, 
p.  84],  ten  miles  from  Boston,  on  the  Concord  road.  On 
the  green,  a  body  of  minute-men,  hastily  gathered  and  poor 
ly  equipped,  were  ready  to  receive  them.  "  Disperse,  ye 
rebels,"  cried  the  British  leader.  The  Americans  stood  their 
ground :  Pitcairn  discharged  his  pistol  at  them,  and  a  volley 
from  his  men  followed.  A  few  shots  were  returned;  but  the 
Americans  gave  way,  with  a  loss  of  7  men.  The  main  body 
now  came  up,  and  the  march  was  resumed  for  Concord.  They 
arrived  there  at  seven.  The  inhabitants  had  received  news 
of  the  intended  movement  about  midnight,  and  had  con 
veyed  part  of  the  arms  and  ammunition  to  a  place  of  safety. 
The  rest  was  destroyed.  Meantime  a  large  body  of  minute- 
men  had  assembled,  arid  a  skirmish  took  place,  which  result 
ed  in  the  loss  of  several  on  both  sides,  and  the  retreat  of 
the  British  from  a  bridge  which  they  had  seized. 

286.  The  work  of  destruction  having  been  completed,  the 
British  began  to  return.  This  was  the  signal  for  the  brave 
yeomanry  of  the  surrounding  country.  Posting  themselves 

Who  had  penetrated  the  desists  of  Oajre  ?  What  means  were  taken  for  alarming  the 
Countrj  ?  Before  he  had  advanced  far,  what  did  Smith  hear  ?  What  did  this  lead  him 
to  do?  Who  commanded  the  advanced  guard?  Before  five,  April  19,  what  place  did 
Piteairn  and  his  men  reach  ?  [See  Map,  p.  84. — Where  is  Lexington  ?  In  what  direc 
tion  from  Boston  ?  In  what  direction  is  Concord  from  Lexington  ?  How  far  ?]  Whom 
did  the  British  find  drawn  up  on  the  green  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle  of  Lexing 
ton.  Where  did  the  British  then  go?  What  took  place  at  Concord?  286.  After  de 
stroying  the  stores,  what  was  the  next  step  of  the  British  ?  Describe  the  retreat  from 


1775]  RETREAT    OF    THE    BRITISH.  205 

in  houses,  and  behind  sheds,  trees,  and  fences  on  the  road 
side,  they  poured  in  an  unremitting  and  deadly  fire  on  tho 
retreating  army.  Even  boys  and  old  men  hastened  to  strike 
a  blow  for  their  country.  Thus  for  miles  the  British  inarch 
ed,  their  officers  falling  and  their  ranks  thinning  under  a  con- 
tinnous  fire  which  they  were  unable  to  return  with  effect. 
Colonel  Smith  was  severely  wounded,  and  his  men,  sinking 
under  fatigue  and  discouraged  by  their  losses,  were  in  dan 
ger  of  being  entirely  cut  off,  when  they  were  met,  eleven 
miles  from  Boston,  by  a  timely  reinforcement  of  1,000  men 
under  Lord  Percy.  Received  by  their  comrades  in  a  hollow 
square,  they  threw  themselves  on  the  ground,  and  were  al- 
low^ed  a  short  rest  to  fit  them  for  the  balance  of  the  march. 

The  patriots,  notwithstanding  Lord  Percy's  field-pieces, 
continued  the  pursuit  to  Charlestown.  Here  the  disastrous 
retreat  terminated,  the  British  having  lost  65  killed,  180 
wounded,  and  28  taken  prisoners.  On  the  opposite  side,  59 
were  killed,  39  wounded,  and  5  missing.  The  first  battle  of 
the  Revolution  was  fought,  and  its  result  was  not  such  as  to 
discourage  the  colonists. 

287.  At  this  early  period  were  commenced  those  acts  of 
savage  cruelty  which  too  often  disgraced  the  British  troops 
in  the  course  of  the  war.  Percy  allowed  his  men  to  plunder 
and  fire  a  number  of  houses  on  the  route.  In  one  of  these  a 
woman  was  lying  sick,  and  her  child  had  taken  refuge  under 
the  bed.  The  former  was  barbarously  dragged  out  of  the 
house,  and  one  of  the  marauders,  seeing  the  boy's  foot  pro 
trude,  wantonly  pinned  it  to  the  floor  with  his  bayonet.  No 
groan  escaped  the  little  hero ;  but  the  merciless  soldiers  re 
duced  the  house  to  ashes  and  hurried  on  to  other  outrages. 

Concord.  What  saved  Smith  and  his  men  from  destruction  ?  On  meeting  Percy's  re 
inforcement,  what  did  the  weary  troops  do?  How  far  did  the  patriots  continue  the 
pursuit  ?  What  was  the  loss  on  both  sides?  287.  What  commenced  at  this  early  period  ? 
What  did  Percy  allow  his  men  to  do  ?  What  instance  of  barbarity  is  mentioned  ? 


206  CAPTURE  OF   TICONDEROGA, 


CHAPTER    II. 

CAPTURE    OF   TICONDEROGA. — WASHINGTON   ELECTED   COM 
MANDER-IN-CHIEF. 

288.  IT  was  felt  that  the  war  had  begun  in  earnest,  and 
20,000  patriots  soon  assembled  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  sur 
rounded  the  city,  and  threatened  to  cut  off  the  British  army 
from  provisions.  Meanwhile  the  legislature  of  Connecticut 
resolved  to  strike  a  blow.  A  committee  was  sent  to  the 
frontier  with  $1,000,  to  fit  out  an  expedition  against  Ticon- 
deroga.  The  command  was  given  to  Colonel  E'-than  Allen, 
already  distinguished  as  a  leader  of  the  "  Green  Mountain 
Boys".  The  company  so  called  had  been  organized  three 
years  before,  to  prevent  New  York  from  extending  her  juris 
diction  over  the  region  they  occupied,  now  known  as  Ver 
mont.  Colonel  Allen  was  assisted  by  Benedict  Arnold,  after 
wards  a  traitor,  but  then  a  brave  and  esteemed  patriot.  An 
army  270  strong  was  soon  collected  on  the  east  side  of  Lake 
Champlain  [see  Map,  p.  169],  opposite  Ticonderoga.  It  was 
intended  to  cross  in  the  night,  but  so  few  boats  were  at  hand 
that  at  daylight  on  the  10th  of  May  (1775)  only  the  officers 
and  83  men  had  landed  on  the  western  shore. 

Not  daring  to  wait  for  more,  lest  he  should  be  discovered 
and  cut  off  by  the  garrison,  Allen  addressed  his  little  band 
and  marched  directly  to  the  fort.  The  surprise  was  com 
plete.  As  Allen  entered  the  sally-port  at  the  head  of  his 
men,  a  sentinel  snapped  his  gun  at  him,  and  ran  to  raise  the 
alarm.  The  Americans  followed,  and  the  garrison  were 
roused  from  sleep  only  to  find  themselves  prisoners.  Colonel 
Allen  made  his  way  to  the  commander's  apartment  and  or 
dered  him  to  surrender.  "  By  what  authority  ?"  demanded 

288.  What  immediately  followed  the  battle  of  Lexington  ?  What  was  done  by  the 
legislature  of  Connecticut  ?  To  whom  was  the  command  of  the  expedition  against  Ti 
conderoga  given?  As  what  was  Ethan  Allen  already  distinguished  ?  For  what  had  the 
company  called  "  the  Green  Mountain  Boys"  been  organized  ?  By  whom  was  Allen 
assisted  ?  How  large  a  force  was  raised  ?  Where  did  they  rendezvous  ?  What  difficulty 
did  they  experience  in  crossing  the  lake?  What  was  the  consequence?  What  waa 
Allen  now  obliged  to  do  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  surprise  of  the  fort.  What  waa  sur- 


1775J  SUBSEQUENT    CAREER    OF    ETHAN    ALLEN.  207 

the  astonished  officer.  Raising  his  sword  as  if  to  strike, 
Allen  replied,  "  In  the  name  of  the  great  Jehovah  and  the 
Continental  Congress."  Resistance  was  vain,  and  the  British 
commander  was  obliged  to  surrender  the  post,  together  with 
48  men,  122  cannon,  several  vessels,  abundant  stores,  and  a 
large  supply  of  powder,  which  was  much  needed  in  the  camp 
at  Boston.  Two  days  afterwards  Crown  Point  was  taken 
without  resistance.  These  achievements,  performed  without 
the  loss  of  a  single  man,  greatly  encouraged  the  colonists. 

289.  The  subsequent  career  of  the  brave  but  eccentric 
Allen  is  worthy  of  relation.     In  the  autumn  of  1775,  he  at 
tempted   the   capture   of  Montreal,  but  after  a  desperate 
struggle  was  made  a  prisoner.     He  was  sent  to  England, 
and  suffered  much  on  the  voyage  from  being  confined  with 
34  others  in  a  room  about  20  feet  square.     This  was  all  for 
gotten,  however,  on  the  return  voyage,  when  an  opportunity 
for  ample  revenge  occurred.     A  conspiracy  was  formed  for 
killing  the  captain  and  taking  possession  of  the  vessel,  but 
Allen,  though  on  his  way  to  a  prison-ship  and  aware  of  the 
sufferings  in  store  for  him,  refused  to  take  part  in  it.     Ex 
changed  at  last  for  a  British  officer,  he  was  made  commander 
of  the  Vermont  militia.     The  British  tried  to  buy  him  over, 
but  in  vain. 

290.  Love  of  country  was  the  ruling  passion  in  Ethan 
Allen's  breast.    His  brother  favored  the  British,  aiding  them 
with  his  means,  and  sending  them  from  time  to  time  such  in 
formation  as  he  thought  would  be  of  service.     When  Ethan 
ascertained  this,  he  at  once  laid  the  fact  before  the  authori 
ties,  advising  them  to  confiscate  his  brother's  property  and 
apply  it  to  the  defence  of  the  country. — His  eventful  life  ter 
minated  hi  1789. 

291.  The  same  day  that  Ethan  Allen  captured  Ticonderoga, 
the  Continental  Congress  commenced  its  second  session  at 
Philadelphia.     Among  its  members  were  Thomas  Jefferson, 

rendered  along  with  the  fort  ?  Two  days  after,  what  post  was  taken  ?  "What  was  the 
effect  of  these  achievements  on  the  colonists?  What  is  related  of  Allen's  subsequent 
history  ?  To  what  office  was  he  finally  raised  ?  "What  attempt  was  made  hy  the  British  ? 
290.  What  is  said  of  Ethan  Allen's  lovo  of  country  ?  To  prove  this,  what  story  is 
told  respecting  him  and  his  brother?  When  did  Ettian  Allen  die?  291.  What  body 


208          WASHINGTON    ELECTED    COMMANDEE-IN-CHIEF.      [l775 

whom  we  have  met  before  listening  to  the  eloquence  of 
Henry,  and  John  Adams,  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  now  in 
his  fortieth  year.  Distinguished  for  his  industry  and  business 
habits,  Adams  was  one  of  the  most  useful  members  of  the 
House.  He  had  constantly  opposed  the  encroachments  of 
Parliament,  yet  had  shown  his  independence  by  defending 
the  British  soldiers  concerned  in  u  the  Boston  Massacre",  ou 
their  trial  for  that  offence. 

Though  still  hoping  for  concessions  from  the  mother  conn- 
try,  Congress  vigorously  prepared  for  war.  Bills  of  credit 
were  issued  to  the  amount  of  $3,000,000.  The  appointment 
of  a  command  er-in-chief  next  engaged  attention.  John  Ad 
ams  in  a  powerful  speech  set  forth  the  high  qualities  which 
should  be  possessed  by  the  person  selected  for  this  office,  and 
concluded  by  nominating  one  of  their  own  body,  in  whom 
they  were  all  combined — George  Washington,  of  Virginia. 
The  House  was  taken  by  surprise,  for  but  few  had  known 
the  speaker's  intention.  No  one  was  more  surprised  than 
Washington  himself,  who  immediately  left  the  room.  The 
next  day,  he  was  unanimously  elected. 

292.  The  news  of  the  stand  taken  at  Lexington  rapidly 
spread  throughout  the  country,  and  was  everywhere  received 
with  enthusiasm.  In  a  remote  part  of  Virginia,  a  tall  young 
man  hastened  to  bear  the  news  to  a  company  in  the  woods. 
He  expressed  his  feelings  in  a  fervid  speech,  and  they  lost  no 
time  in  arming  for  liberty.  This  youth  was  John  Marshall, 
the  future  chief-justice.  Just  a  month  after  the  battle,  the 
news  reached  Charlotte,  N.  C.  The  people  immediately 
met,  declared  themselves  freed  from  allegiance  to  the  king, 
and  promised  to  defend  the  independence  thus  asserted  with 
their  lives  and  fortunes.  This  was  the  first  proposal  to  throio 
off  the  British  yoke.  Their  countrymen  at  the  north  were 


met  the  same  day  that  Ti con deroga  was  captured?  What  new  members  made  their 
appearance  in  Congress?  What  is  said  of  John  Adams?  For  what  did  Congress  still 
hope?  What  steps  did  they  take  in  preparation  for  war?  Whom  did  they  appoint 
commander-in-chief?  Relate  the  circumstances.  292*.  How  was  the  news  of  the  battle 
of  Lexington  received  ?  What  took  place  in  a  remote  part  of  Virginia?  Who  was  the 
person  that  made  the  announcement  ?  Wh.it  took  place  at  Charlotte,  N.  C.  ?  For  what 
us  yet  were  the  northern  patriots1  contending  ?  What  were  the  people  of  Charlotte  the 


1775J  GOV.    DUNMOKE   COMPELLED   TO   FLEE.  209 

in  arms  merely  for  rights  to  which,  as  British  subjects,  they 
believed  themselves  entitled.  The  people  of  Charlotte  were 
the  first  to  declare  in  favor  of  complete  independence. 

293.  The  governors  of  the  colonies  had  received  orders  to 
secure  all  arms  and  military  stores  collected  by  the  people. 
According  to  these  instructions,  Lord  Dunmore,  on  the  20th 
of  April,  seized  on  the  powder  in  the  magazine  at  Williams- 
burg,  Va.  The  people,  w^th  Patrick  Henry  at  their  head, 
demanded  restitution,  and  the  governor  had  to  pay  for  the 
powder  in  full.  The  amount  (about  $1,500)  was  transmitted 
to  Congress.  After  fortifying  his  residence,  the  mortified 
Dunmore  issued  a  proclamation  against  Henry  and  his  asso 
ciates.  This  incensed  the  people,  and  some  intercepted 
letters  written  by  the  governor,  in  which  he  grossly  misrep 
resented  the  colonists,  added  to  their  indignation.  Justly 
alarmed  for  his  safety,  Dunmore  took  refuge  on  board  of  a 
British  vessel.  About  the  same  time,  the  governors  of  North 
and  South  Carolina  were  obliged  to  pursue  a  similar  course, 


CHAPTER   III. 

BATTLE    OF    BUNKER    HILL. 

294.  THE  British  army  in  Boston  was  increased  in  May, 
1775,  to  10,000  men,  by  reinforcements  from  England  and 
Ireland,  commanded  by  Generals  Howe,  Clinton,  and  Bur- 
goyne.     On  the  12th  of  June,  Gage  issued  a  proclamation 
offering  pardon  to  all  who  would  abandon  the  cause  of  the 
colonies,  except  Samuel  Adams  and  John  Hancock,  who  were 
declared  outlaws. 

295.  The  American  army,  though  larger  than  that  of  the 
enemy,  was  poorly  equipped  and  disciplined.     Their  officers, 

first  to  advocate  ?  293.  What  orders  had  the  governors  of  the  colonies  received  ?  What 
did  Lord  Dunmore  do,  on  the  20th  of  April,  1775?  What  action  was  taken  by  the  peo 
ple  ?  What  was  the  result  ?  What  governors  had  to  pursue  a  similar  course  ? 

294.  How  was  the  British  army  increased  in  May,  1775?    What  was  the  substance  of 
the  proclamation  issued  by  Gage  in  June?    295.  How  did  the  American  army  compare 


210  BATTLE   OF   BUNKER   HILL. 

however,  were  men  who  had  seen  service.  Ar'-te-mas  Ward, 
of  Massachusetts,  held  the  chief  command.  On  the  16th  of 
June,  it  was  ascertained  that  Gen.  Gage  intended  to  seize 
and  fortify  Bunker  Hill.  At  nine  o'clock  at  night,  Colonel 
Prescott  was  dispatched  from  Cambridge  with  a  thousand 
men  to  anticipate  the  movement.  Mistaking  Breed's  Hill 
for  Bunker's  in  the  darkness,  they  commenced  intrenching 
themselves  on  the  former  eminence,  which  was  nearer  to 
Boston  and  more  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  British  ships. 
The  name  of  Bunker  Hill,  however,  is  universally  given  to 
the  engagement  that  followed.  The  men  worked  with  the 
utmost  diligence,  and  so  noiselessly  that  they  were  not  dis 
covered  till  dawn,  either  by  the  ships,  or  the  British  sentinels 
on  Copp's  Hill,  Boston,  whose  "All's  well!"  they  distinctly 
heard  at  intervals  through  the  night. 

The  surprise  of  the  British  may  be  imagined,  when,  at  day 
break  on  the  17th,  they  beheld  a  strong  intrenchment,  six 
feet  high,  commanding  their  camp.  A  strong  battery  planted 
there  would  force  them  to  evacuate  the  city.  Gage  called  a 
council  of  war,  and  it  was  agreed  that  tho  Americans  must 
be  driven  from  their  position.  Three  thousand  veterans  were 
detached  for  this  duty,  under  Generals  Howe  and  Pig'-ot. 
The  Americans  ceased  working  as  they  saw  their  enemies 
land  at  Morton's  Point,  and  hoisted  the  flag  of  New  Eng 
land.  They  were  but  1,500  in  number,  deficient  hi  ammu 
nition,  exhausted  by  labor,  and  suffering  from  hunger  and 
thirst ;  yet  they  were  sustained  by  an  undaunted  spirit.  Gen 
erals  Putnam  and  Warren  had  now  joined  their  ranks.  The 
latter,  though  only  35  years  of  age,  was  distinguished  no  less 
as  a  physician  than  as  president  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
Massachusetts.  He  had  no  military  experience,  and  was 
urged  not  to  expose  himself  in  battle ;  but  the  sound  of  the 
cannon  wooed  him  to  the  field.  On  his  arrival,  Col.  Prescott 
offered  him  the  command,  as  his  superior  officer ;  but  War 
mth  tlie  British  ?  What  is  said  of  their  officers  ?  What  was  ascertained  on  the  16th.of 
June?  What  defensive  measures  were  taken  by  the  Americans  ?  Givo  an  account  of 
the  occupation  of  Breed's  Hill.  How  did  the  Americans  spend  the  night?  What  did 
the  British  behold  in  the  morning?  What  course  was  agreed  upon*ln  a  council  of  war? 
How  many  men  were  detached  for  the  attack  ?  Under  what  generals?  Where  did  they 


I  7  7  5  J 


THE    FIRST    AMERICAN    KILLED. 


211 


ren  replied  that  he  had  come  to  learn,  and,  borrowing  a 
musket,  served  bravely  as  a  private. 


Americans  [ 
British         [ 


l],  4,000  engaged;  loss,  1,054 


At  three  o'clock,  the  British  ships  and  batteries  poured 
in  a  terrible  fire  on  the  redoubt.  The  first  American  that 
fell  was  horribly  mutilated,  and  his  comrades,  unaccustomed 
to  such  sights,  crowded  around.  Fearful  of  the  effect,  Col 
onel  Prescott  ordered  that  he  should  be  instantly  buried. 
"  He  is  the  first  man  that  has  been  killed,"  said  he,  "  and 
he  is  the  last  that  will  be  buried  to-day.  To  your  posts,  my 
gallant  fellows,  and  let  every  man  do  his  duty."  And  every 
man  did  his  duty. 

296.   The  British  troops  moved  slowly  in  perfect  order 


l&nd  ?  [See  Map.— What  isthmus  connects  the  peninsula  on  which  Charlestown  stands 
with  the  main-land?  How  high  is  Breed's  Hill,  on  which  the  battle  took  place?  In 
what  part  of  Boston  is  Copp's  Hill  ?]  What  did  the  American  troops  do,  whet  they  saw 
the  British  land?  What  was  the  condition  of  the  Americans?  By  whom  were  they 
joined?  What  is  said  of  Dr.  Warren  ?  At  three  o'clock,  what  was  commenced  by  the 
British  ?  What  took  place  when  the  first  American  was  killed  ?  296.  Give  an  account 


212  BATTLE    OF   BUNKER    HILL.  [l775 

up  the  hill.  The  Americans  awaited  their  approach  in  silence. 
They  had  been  ordered  to  reserve  their  fire  till  they  saw  the 
whites  of  the  enemies'  eyes,  and  Gen.  Putnam  aided  in  re 
straining  their  impatience.  When  the  British  had  reached 
the  prescribed  point,  Prescott  waved  his  sword  above  his 
head  and  shouted  FIKE  !  A  deadly  discharge  was  poured 
upon  the  advancing  columns.  Platoon  after  platoon  was 
swept  down  ;  the  ranks  were  broken,  and  the  survivors  hast 
ily  retired.  They  were  rallied  for  a  second  charge  under 
cover  of  a  smoke  produced  by  the  burning  of  several  hun 
dred  wooden  houses  in  Charlestown,  which  the  British  had 
wantonly  set  on  fire.  Again  the  Americans  lay  perfectly 
quiet,  till  the  enemy  were  within  ten  rods  of  the  redoubt. 
Again  they  swept  down  officers  and  men,  and  again  the 
British  veterans  retreated.  Gen.  Clinton  now  crossed  with 
1,000  fresh  troops.  It  was  resolved  to  make  another  at 
tack,  though  some  of  the  officers  declared  that  it  was  leading 
their  men  to  certain  death.  After  a  few  moments'  rest,  du 
ring  which,  in  the  face  of  a  destructive  fire,  a  small  party  of 
Americans  crossed  Charlestown  Neck  and  joined  their  coun 
trymen,  the  British  troops  a  third  time  commenced  the 
ascent. 

The  patriots,  as  before,  poured  in  a  galling  fire  ;  they  shot 
down  a  number  of  officers,  and  wounded  Howe  himself. 
Unfortunately,  however,  their  ammunition  gave  out.  The 
British  rushed  up  to  the  parapet,  and,  as  they  mounted  it, 
were  received  with  stones  and  clubbed  muskets.  Resistance 
being  hopeless,  Prescott  ordered  a  retreat.  He  himself  and 
Warren  were  the  last  to  leave  the  redoubt.  The  latter,  hav 
ing  done  good  service,  was  about  joining  his  companions, 
when  he  received  a  musket-ball  in  the  head  and  was  instant 
ly  killed.  In  him  America  lost  one  of  her  truest  friends. 
The  British  general,  on  hearing  of  his  fall,  said  it  was  worth 
that  of  500  ordinary  rebels. 


of  the  first  charge  of  the  British.  Of  the  second.  Who  now  arrived  on  the  field  f 
What  was  it  resolved  to  do?  What  did  some  of  the  officers  declare?  How  were  the 
Americans  reinforced?  How  was  the  third  charge  of  the  British  received?  What 
obliged  the  Americans  to  retreat?  Who  were  the  last  to  leave  the  redoubt?  What 


1775]  ADVENTURES   OF   "  OLD   PUT".  213 

297.  The  retreat  of  the  provincials  was  bravely  covered 
by  detachments  of  their  countrymen  who  had  occupied  a 
position  in  the  rear  during  the  engagement.    Evening  found 
them  safely  encamped  at  Prospect  Hill,  a  mile  from  the  bat 
tle  ground.     They  had  lost  115  lolled,  305  wounded,  and  32 
prisoners.     On  the  British  side  226  were  killed,  828  wound 
ed  and  missing.     The  battle  had  taken  place  in  sight  of  the 
whole  people  of  Boston.     The  roofs  and  steeples,  as  weU  as 
the  surrounding  hills,  were  filled  with  anxious  women  and 
children,  whose  destinies  depended  on  the  issue  of  the  day. 
The  Americans  had  the  decided  advantage,  though  the  Brit 
ish,  remaining  masters  of  the  field,  claimed  the  victory. 

298.  Israel  Putnam,  familiarly  known  as  "  Old  Put",  one 
of  the  heroes  whose  name  is  embalmed  in  the  glories  of  Bun 
ker  Hill,  was  born  hi  Salem,  Massachusetts,  1718.     He  emi 
grated  to  Connecticut,  and  his  life  from  early  youth  was  full 
of  romantic  adventures.     At  one  time  we  see  him  descend 
ing  into  the  wolf's  den  and  shooting  her  by  the  light  of  her 
own  glaring  eyes ;  at  another,  actively  engaged  in  the  French 
and  Indian  War,  now  saving  a  comrade's  life  at  Crown  Point 
by  killing  a  French  sentinel,  and  anon  escaping  from  his  en 
emies  with  twelve  bullet-holes  in  his  blanket.     In  1756,  he 
found  himself  the  prisoner  of  a  party  of  savages,  who,  after 
driving  him  for  miles  under  a  heavy  load,  bound  him  to  a 
stake,  and  prepared  to  burn  him  to  death.    Already  had  the 
flames  scorched  his  skin,  when  a  French  officer  burst  through 
the  crowd,  scattered  the  brands,  and  saved  his  life.     Shortly 
afterwards,  Putnam  was  surprised  by  Indians  just  above  the 
rapids  in  the  Hudson.    A  glance  showed  him  that  his  only 
chance  of  escape  lay  in  threading  the  channel  of  the  boister 
ous  passage.     With  amazement  his  pursuers  saw  his  boat 
leap  into  the  seething  waters,  shoot  through  yawning  whirl 
pools,  dash  past  hidden  rocks,  and  at  last  dart  out  into  the 
placid  waters  far  below. 

befell  Warren?  What  did  the  British  general  say  on  hearing  of  his  fall?  297.  By 
whom  was  the  retreat  of  the  provincials  covered?  Where  did  they  encamp?  What 
was  the  loss  on  both  sides?  Who  had  witnessed  the  engagement?  Which  side  gained 
the  victory  ?  298.  Where  was  Gen.  Putnam  born?  To  what  colony  did  he  emigrate? 
What  is  said  of  his  life  from  early  youth  ?  Mention  some  of  his  early  exploits.  What 


214  INVASION    OF    CANADA.  |"l775 

Putnam's  remarkable  presence  of  mind  was  again  displayed 
at  Fort  Edward.  The  barracks  caught  fire ;  and,  separated 
from  them  only  by  a  thin  partition,  was  a  magazine  contain 
ing  300  barrels  of  gunpowder.  The  men  fled  in  alarm  from 
the  scene  of  danger  ;  but  Putnam  persisted  in  pouring  water 
on  the  flames,  put  out  the  fire,  and  at  the  expense  of  some 
severe  burns  saved  the  fort.  He  was  in  the  field  ploughing, 
when  he  heard  of  the  battle  of  Lexington.  Leaving  his 
plough  where  it  was,  without  even  changing  his  clothes,  he 
hastened  to  Cambridge.  The  British  offered  him  the  rank 
of  major-general  and  a  large  sum  of  money  if  he  would  de 
sert  the  American  cause ;  but  the  sturdy  patriot  scornfully 
refused,  and  paid  them  for  the  insult  on  the  bloody  field  of 
Bunker  Hill.  He  appears  -to  have  directed  the  movements 
of  the  patriots  on  that  occasion  jointly  with  Col.  Prescott. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

INVASION     OF     CANADA. 

299.  THE  day  before  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  Washing 
ton  accepted  the  office  of  commander-in-chief,  expressing  his 
sense  of  the  high  responsibilities  it  involved,  and  declining 
to  receive  any  remuneration  except  the  payment  of  his  ex 
penses.  After  removing  his  mother  to  a  place  of  safety,  he 
set  out  at  once  for  Cambridge,  where  he  arrived  July  2d, 
1775.  Pie  found  an  army  of  14,500  men,  with  little  or  no 
knowledge  of  military  manoeuvres.  Months  of  constant 
drilling  were  spent  in  making  them  effective  soldiers.  There 
were  no  engineers ;  and  almost  every  difficulty  that  can  be 
conceived  had  to  be  encountered  in  conducting  the  siege. 
Even  powder  was  wanting  ;  and  it  was  with  great  difficulty 
that  a  small  supply  was  obtained. 

happened  to  him  in  1756  ?  Shortly  afterwards,  where  was  he  surprised  by  the  Indians  ? 
How  did  he  escape  ?  What  other  story  is  told,  illustrating  Putnam's  presence  of  mind  ? 
[low  was  he  engaced  when  he  heard  of  the  battle  of  Lexington?  What  did  he  do? 
What  offer  was  made  him  by  the  British  ?  How  was  it  received  ? 

299.  What  did  Washington  do  on  the  day  before  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill  ?    What 
were  his  next  movements?  What  state  of  things  did  he  find,  on  arriving  at  Cambridge f 


1775]  ARNOLD'S  EXPEDITION.  215 

300.  On  the  6th  of  July,  Congress  in  an  able  manifesto  set 
forth  its  reasons  for  taking  up  arras.     It  also  established  a 
line  of  posts  for  the  communication  of  intelligence,  under  the 
superintendence  of  Franklin.     This  same  month,  Georgia, 
which  had  not  before  taken  part  in  the  movement,  joined 
her  sister  colonies,  and  chose  delegates  to  Congress. 

301.  Knowing  that  large  stores  were  collected  at  Quebec, 
and  believing  that  the  people  would  join  in  the  Revolution 
if  opportunity  offered,  Congress  determined  on  an  expedi 
tion  against  Canada,  and  placed  General  Montgomery  at  its 
head.     St.  John's  surrendered  to  the  invaders  on  the  3d  of 
November;    the  country  was  overrun,  and  Montreal  was 
taken.     The  time  for  which  many  of  the  American  soldiers 
had  enlisted  now  ran  out;  and,  as  they  insisted  on  returning, 
Montgomery  was  left  with  no  more  than  300  followers  to 
advance  upon  Quebec. 

Meanwhile,  1,100  Americans,  under  Benedict  Arnold,  now 
raised  to  the  rank  of  colonel,  were  marching  through  the 
northern  wilderness  of  Maine  to  the  succor  of  their  coun 
trymen.  No  one  at  the  present  day  can  estimate  the  hard 
ships  which  that  devoted  band  were  called  on  to  endure ;  now 
forcing  their  way  through  tangled  thickets  and  over  path 
less  mountains;  and  now  wading  through  swollen  rivers, 
pushing  their  boats  before  them,  or  borne  away  by  rapids 
and  struggling  for  life  amid  the  waves; — worn  out,  sick,  cold, 
hungry,  disheartened.  Not  a  few  gave  up  the  expedition, 
and  returned  to  Massachusetts.  With  some  of  his  bravest 
men,  Arnold  pushed  on  to  a  French  village  for  supplies,  leav 
ing  the  rest  of  his  force  in  a  most  critical  position.  The  last 
ox  was  killed  and  distributed ;  the  last  dog  was  eaten  with 
avidity;  then  roots  and  moose-skin  moccasins  were  their 
only  resource.  When  the  aid  sent  back  by  Arnold  reached 
the  famished  band,  they  had  eaten  nothing  for  two  days. 

800.  What  was  done  by  Congress  in  July,  1775?  What  action  was  taken  by  Georgia? 
GDI.  Whither  did  Congress  determine  to  send  an  expedition  ?  What  led  them  to  do  so  ? 
Who  was  placed  at  its  head?  What  places  were  taken  by  Montgomery?  What  thon 
put  a  stop  to  his  victorious  movements?  How  many  remained  with  him,  to  proceed 
against  Quebec?  Who  was  advancing  to  his  aid?  With  how  many  men?  By  what 
route?  Give  an  account  of  the  difficulties  encountered  by  Arnold's  men.  How  did  be 


216 


INVASION    OF   CANADA. 


[1775 


Even  such  suffering,  however,  could  not  discourage  these 
brave  hearts.  Among  them  were  not  a  few  noted  in  later 
times — Morgan,  Greene,  and  Meigs  \megz\,  all  benefactors 
of  their  country, — and  Aaron  Burr,  then  a  youth  of  20,  after 
wards  Vice-President  of  the  United  States. 

At  last,  surmounting  incredible  obstacles,  the  heroic  band 
stood  before  Quebec,  and  effected  a  junction  with  the  army 
of  Montgomery,  who  took  command  of  the  whole.  Together 
they  numbered  but  900  effective  men.  A  commander  less 
brave  and  energetic  would  have  shrunk  from  attacking  those 
massive  walls  with  so  insignificant  a  force.  Montgomery 
hesitated  not ;  he  had  been  there  before  under  Wolfe,  and 
remembered  his  glorious  example.  After  besieging  the  place 
three  weeks,  and  finding  that  his  few  small  cannon  could 
make  no  impression  on  its  defences,  on  the  last  day  of  the 
year  1V75,  with  the  approval  of  his  officers  and  men,  he  pre 
pared  for  an  assault. 

302.  Four  divisions  is 
sued  from  the  American 
camp,  two  of  which  were 
to  make  feigned  attacks 
for  the  purpose  of  dis 
tracting  the  enemy's  at 
tention.  Montgomery 
was  to  approach  along 
the  St.  Lawrence,  Ar 
nold  by  the  St.  Charles  ; 
and  both,  having  united 
their  forces,  were  to 
storm  the  Prescott  gate. 
Montgomery,  having 
toiled  over  enormous 
masses  of  ice,  amid  drift- 


QUEfCC 

ana 

THE  VICINITY: 


save  them  from  perishing?  "What  was  their  condition  when  relief  arrived?  Mention 
pome  of  Arnold's  followers  who  afterwards  became  noted.  At  last,  where  did  they  ar 
rive?  Who  took  the  command?  How  many  effective  men  were  found  In  both  divi 
sions?  What  was  the  prospect  of  success?  How  long  did  Montgomery  besiege  Que 
bec  ?  What  did  he  find  ?  On  what  did  he  then  resolve  ?  What  day  was  selected  for 
Ihe  attack  '{  302.  [See  Mup.— At  the  confluence  of  what  two  rivers  is  Quebec  situated  ? 


1775]  FALL    OF    MONTGOMERY.  217 

ing  snow  which  nearly  blinded  him,  saw  a  rude  blockhouse 
defended  by  a  battery  of  three-pounders.  "  Men  of  New 
York,"  he  cried,  "  you  will  not  fear  to  follow  where  your 
general  leads !  March  on."  Rushing  at  the  head  of  his 
troops  to  the  assault,  he  was  almost  immediately  swept  down, 
with  both  his  aids  and  a  number  of  privates,  by  a  discharge 
of  grape-shot.  Disheartened  by  the  loss  of  their  leader,  the 
rest  of  the  division  retreated  to  Wolfe's  Cove. 

Arnold's  narrow  path  to  the  lower  city  was  commanded 
by  muskets  and  cannon.  Advancing  at  the  head  of  his  divi 
sion,  he  received  a  ball  in  the  leg,  which  obliged  him  to  leave 
the  field  and  give  up  the  command  to  Captain  Morgan.  The 
first  barrier  was  carried,  and  the  city  entered.  But  with 
only  200  men,  most  of  whose  muskets  were  rendered  useless 
by  the  snow,  it  was  impossible  for  Morgan  either  to  carry 
the  defences  before  him  or  to  make  good  a  retreat.  Over 
powering  forces  gathered  around,  and  he  was  compelled  to 
surrender.  In  this  assault  160  Americans  were  killed  and 
426  made  prisoners.  The  British  loss  was  only  20. 

303.  The  death  of  Montgomery  was  regarded  as  a  na 
tional  calamity.  Even  in  Britain  eulogies  on  his  character 
were  delivered.  Arnold  with  his  remaining  force  encamped 
about  three  miles  from  the  city,  and  continued  the  blockade. 
He  was  superseded  in  April,  1776,  by  Gen.  Wooster,  who, 
the  following  month,  gave  way  to  Gen.  Thomas.  Quebec 
still  maintained  a  successful  resistance ;  and  rumors  of  Carle- 
ton's  approach  with  a  powerful  army  soon  reached  the  Amer 
ican  camp.  A  hasty  retreat  was  made,  and  the  whole  of 
Canada  was  recovered  by  the  British. 


What  village  near  Point  Levi?  In  what  direction  from  the  city  was  the  battle-field  of 
Wolfe  and  Montcalm  ?]  State  Montgomery's  plan  of  attack.  Give  an  account  of  Mont 
gomery's  movements  and  fall.  Give  an  account  of  Arnold's  movements.  To  whom  did 
he  leave  the  command  ?  What  advantage  did  Morgan  at  first  gain  ?  What  was  the  final 
result?  What  was  the  loss  on  both  sides?  303.  How  was  the  death  of  Montgomery 
regarded?  What  course  did  Arnold  pursue?  By  whom  was  he  superseded?  What 
obliged  the  Americans  to  retreat  ? 

10 


218  SIEGE   AND    EVACUATION    OF   BOSTON.  [l773 


CHAPTER   V. 

SIEGE   AND   EVACUATION    OF   BOSTON. 

304.  THE  idea  of  a  complete  separation  from  Brit  ran,  origi 
nated,  as  we  have  seen,  in  North  Carolina,  began  to  gain 
ground  in  the  colonies ;  but  Congress  still  determined  on  a 
last  appeal.     A  petition  for  redress  was  sent  to  England,  but 
received  no  attention  from  either  king  or  Parliament.     On 
the  contrary,  acts  were  passed  prohibiting  trade  with  the 
colonies,  and  authorizing  the  capture  of  American  vessels,  the 
hiring  of  German  soldiers,  and  the  transportation  of  25,000 
additional  English  troops  to  the  new  world.     On  this,  Con 
gress  gave  up  all  hope  of  reconciliation,  and  prepared  for  a 
vigorous  defence.     Military  stores  were  collected.     Powder 
was  bought  in  foreign  ports,  and  its  manufacture  was  com 
menced  at  home.     Privateers  were  commissioned,  from  the 
bold  attacks  of  which  British  commerce  suffered  much  till 
the  termination  of  the  war. 

305.  In  the  fall  of  1775,  Gen.  Gage  was  superseded  by 
Sir  William  Howe,  after  having  sent  British  men-of-war  to 
ravage  different  parts  of  the  coast.     Falmouth  [fal'-mutfi], 
now  Portland,  Maine,  was  levelled  to  the  ground.     Other 
places  were  threatened.     Newport  escaped  only  by  contrib 
uting  a  weekly  supply  for  the  fleet. 

306.  The  British  still  had  hopes  of  deterring  New  York 
from  taking  part  against  the  king,  and  Governor  Try  on  was 
authorized  to  use  persuasion,  threats,  and  even  bribery,  with 
its  citizens  for  that  purpose.     Congress,  however,  baffled  his 
efforts  by  ordering  that  all  persons  dangerous  to  the  liberties 
of  America  should  be  seized ;  for  on  this,  the  governor  took 
refuge  on  a  British  ship. — Lord  Dunmore  was  still  giving 

804.  In  the  hope  of  reconciliation,  what  step  WHS  taken  by  Confess  ?  How  was  the 
petition  received  ?  "What  acts  were  passed  by  Parliament?  How  did  Congress  then 
feel  ?  What  defensive  steps  were  taken  ?  305.  In  the  fall  of  1775,  who  was  made 
British  Commander-in-chief?  What  place  was  bombarded  ?  How  did  Newport  escape 
a  similar  fate  ?  30G.  What  means  did  Gov.  Tryon  take  for  retaining  the  people  of  New 
York  in  their  allegiance ?  How  did  Congress  baffle  his  efforts?  Give  an  account  of 


1775] 


ACTIVE    OPERATIONS    COMMENCED. 


219 


SIEGE    OF 
BOSTON 


trouble  in  Virginia.  Towards  the  close  of  1775,  he  attacked 
a  body  of  provincials  near  Norfolk,  but  was  defeated.  A 
royal  vessel  having  arrived  soon  after,  he  gratified  his  re 
venge  by  reducing  the  place  to  ashes.  Famine,  sickness, 
and  storms,  finally  compelled  him  to  retire  with  his  fleet  to 
the  West  Indies. 

307.  Winter  passed  without  hostilities  between  the  two 
armies  at  Boston. 
The  country  was 
impatient  to  hear 
of  sprne  great  vic- 
tory,and  Congress 
urged  Washing 
ton  to  attack  the 
enemy;  but, ham 
pered  by  a  want 
of  ammunition 
and  other  neces 
saries,  it  was  not 
till  March  4th 
(1776)  that  he 
deemed  it  pru 
dent  to  act  on  the 
offensive.  Gen. 

Thomas  waif  sent    ®     T^tfctV^&f,  ^ 
by  night  to  throw  4         %>      I E  \/    /SP^jJ 

:L 


Mugaiine- 
y        * 

•O  « 

l/^% 


up  intrenchments 
on  Dorchester 
Heights,  which  commanded  the  city  and  harbor.  Though 
the  ground  was  frozen,  the  work  progressed  rapidly.  On 
discovering  the  movement  of  the  Americans  in  the  morning, 
Howe  resolved  to  drive  them  from  their  position.  A  storm 
prevented  him  from  making  the  attempt  till  they  were  too 
strongly  fortified  to  be  dislodged.  Unable  to  hold  the  city 

Lord  Dunmore'a  movements.  807.  What  was  the  state  of  things  in  the  American  camp 
before  Boston  ?  What  did  Congress  urge  Washington  to  do?  When  did  he  commence 
the  attack  ?  What  was  his  first  offensive  movement  ?  [See  Map. — Where  are  Dorches 
ter  Heights?  Who  commanded  the  American  right  wing?  The  centre?  The  left 
wir^?]  What  was  Howe's  first  determination?  What  changed  it?  What  was  he 


220  BRITISH    ATTACK   ON    CHARLESTON.  [l776 

in  the  face  of  the  battery  on  the  heights,  Howe  was  obliged 
to  evacuate  Boston;  and,  on  the  17th  of  March,  the  whole 
land  and  naval  force  of  Britain,  with  about  1,500  loyalists, 
left  the  harbor.  This  event  was  hailed  with  joy  by  the  de 
fenders  of  America,  particularly  by  those  patriots  who  had 
been  shut  up  in  the  besieged  city.  They  had  hardly  been 
able  to  obtain  the  necessaries  of  life.  Provisions  had  risen 
to  four  times  their  usual  value.  Wood  had  become  so  scarce 
that  the  pews  of  churches,  the  counters  of  stores,  and  the 
timber  of  unoccupied  buildings,  had  been  used  for  fuel.  The 
thanks  of  Congress  were  voted  to  the  besieging  army,  and 
a  gold  medal  was  struck  in  commemoration  of  the  event! 


CHAPTER   VI. 

BRITISH   ATTACK    ON   CHARLESTON. DECLARATION   OF   INDE 
PENDENCE. 

308.  THE  British  directed  their  first  active  operations  in 
1776  against  the  south.  On  the  4th  of  June,  Admiral 
Parker  appeared  off  Charleston  with  a  strong  fleet  direct 
from  England,  conveying  2,500  troops,  of  which  Gen.  Clinton 
took  the  command.  The  people  of  Carolina,  having  received 
intelligence  of  the  intended  attack,  were  not  unprepared  for 
it.  Six  thousand  men  had  collected  in  and  about  the  city. 
A  fort  of  palmetto-wood  and  earth,  hastily  erected  on  Sulli 
van's  Island,  and  defended  by  26  cannon  and  500  brave  men 
under  Col.  Moultrie,  commanded  the  channel.  Another  fort 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  island  was  held  by  Col.  Thomp 
son.  Gen.  Lee  had  hastened  from  the  north,  to  conduct  the 
defence. 

On  the  28th  of  June,  the  British  commenced  a  heavy  can- 
final  ly  compelled  to  do?  When  did  he  evacuate  Boston?  Describe  the  condition  of 
those  within  the  city  during  the  siege.  How  did  Congress  show  their  gratitude  for  this 
success  ? 

308.  Against  what  place  was  the  first  offensive  movement  of  the  British  in  1776  di 
rected  ?  Who  conducted  the  attack  ?  What  preparations  had  been  made  by  the  people 
of  Carolina  ?  Who  commanded  them  ?  Describe  the  attack  and  defence  on  the  28th  ot 


1TT6] 


DEFENCE   OF   FORT    MOULTRIE. 


221 


nonade  on  Fort  Sullivan  (afterwards  called  Moultrie  in  honor 
of  its  gallant  defender).  The  wood  of  which  it  was  built  was 
so  soft,  that,  instead  of  splitting,  it  closed  over  the  balls  that 
struck  it,  without  receiving  any  injury.  Not  so,  however, 
with  the  British  ships,  on  which  the  patriots  poured  a  de 
structive  fire.  At  one  time,  the  quarter-deck  of  Parker's 
flag-ship  was  cleared  of  every  man  except  the  admiral  him 
self.  Gen.  Clinton  landed  2,500  men  on  Long  Island  and 
attempted  to  cross  to  Sullivan's  Island,  but  Thompson's  rifle 
men  drove  him  back. 


SERGEANT   JASPEK   AT   FORT   M 


Many  heroic  deeds  that  will  live  in  history,  were  performed 
that  day.     The  first  republican  flag  unfurled  in  the  south 

Jane.  [See  Map,  p.  269.— In  what  direction  was  Fort  Moultrie  from  Charleston  ?  What 
islands  in  Charleston  harbor  ?]  What  is  said  of  Admiral  Parker's  flag-ship  ?  What  at 
tempt  was  made  by  Clinton?  Give  an  account  of  Jasper's  exploit  How  did  Gen.  Rut- 


222  BRITISH   ATTACK   ON    CHARLESTON.  [l770 

waved  over  the  palmetto  fort.  Early  in  the  action  it  was  cut 
down  by  a  cannon-ball,  and  fell  upon  the  beach.  Sergeant 
Jasper  leaped  over  the  parapet,  recovered  the  flag,  fastened 
it  to  a  staff,  and  again  set  it  up,  amid  a  shower  of  balls  from 
the  British  fleet.  Gov.  Rutledge  rewarded  the  hero  by  pre 
senting  him  his  own  sword  and  a  lieutenant's  commission. 
The  former  he  accepted,  but  modestly  declined  the  latter, 
saying  that  since  he  could  neither  read  nor  write  he  was  not 
fit  to  be  an  ofticer. 

Late  in  the  action,  Admiral  Parker  ordered  the  crew  of 
one  of  his  vessels,  which  was  disabled,  to  set  her  on  fire  and 
abandon  her.  The  ship  was  left  with  guns  loaded  and  colors 
flying.  No  sooner  had  her  crew  departed  than  she  was 
boarded  by  the  Americans,  who  carried  off  her  flags  and 
bells,  fired  her  guns  at  Parker's  ship,  and  bore  away  three 
boatloads  of  stores. 

For  more  than  nine  hours  the  British  kept  up  the  attack, 
but  without  making  any  impression  on  the  fort.  Only  teii 
Americans  were  killed,  and  22  wounded.  The  enemy's  loss 
in  killed  and  wounded  amounted  to  225;  After  lying  to  a 
few  days  to  refit,  the  fleet  sailed  for  the  north. 

309.  On  the  evacuation  of  Boston  by  the  British,  Wash 
ington  set  out  with  most  of  his  army  for  New  York,  now 
threatened  by  the  enemy.  He  arrived  there  April  14th, 
1776.  Feeling  that  nothing  could  be  done  with  men  whose 
terms  of  service  were  constantly  expiring,  he  prevailed  on 
Congress  to  provide  for  a  three  years'  enlistment  and  to  offer 
a  bounty  of  $10  to  each  recruit.  The  army  at  New  York 
was  thus  in  a  few  months  increased  to  27,000  men ;  but 
nearly  half  of  them  were  unfit  for  duty  from  sickness  or  a 
lack  of  arms.  Even  had  this  whole  force  consisted  of  effec 
tive  men,  it  would  have  been  insuflicient  for  the  defence  of  a 
line  15  miles  long,  any  point  of  Avhich  was  liable  to  attack. 
Fortifications  commenced  by  Gen.  Lee  before  the  arrival  of 

ledgo  reward  the  hero  ?  What  other  achievement  was  performed  ?  How  long  did  tho 
British  keep  up  the  attack?  What  was  the  result ?  Mention  the  loss  on  both  sides. 
309.  On  the  evacuation  of  E-Jston,  where  did  Washington  go?  When  did  he  arrive  in 
New  York?  What  did  he  induce  Congress  to  do?  How  large  an  army  was  thus 
raised?  What  was  its  condition?  How  long  a  line  bad  to  bo  defended?  What  waa 


1776J  DECLARATION    OF   INDEPENDENCE.  223 

Washington,  were  completed  and  extended.  A  detachment 
was  stationed  at  Brooklyn,  on  the  western  extremity  of  Long 
Island,  opposite  New  York,  and  there  also  defensive  works 
were  constructed. 

310.  The  Virginia  Legislature  had  recommended  Congress 
to  declare  the  colonies  absolved  from  their  allegiance  to  the 
crown ;  and  similar  requests  were  made  from  various  quar 
ters.  On  the  7th  of  June,  1776,  Richard  Henry  Lee,  of  Va., 
moved  that  these  United  Colonies  are  and  of  right  ought  to 
be  free  and  independent  states.  Thomas  Jeiferson,  ofVa., 
John  Adams,  of  Mass.,  Benjamin  Franklin,  of  Penn.,  Roger 
Sherman,  of  Conn.,  and  Robert  R.  Livingston,  of  New  York, 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  draft  a  Declaration  of  Inde 
pendence.  Jefferson,  as  chairman,  prepared  the  important 
document.  It  was  reported  to  Congress,  and  after  being 
discussed  several  days  and  slightly  amended,  was  adopted  at 
two  o'clock  on  the  4th  of  July,  1776. 

On  this  eventful  day,  the  streets  of  Philadelphia  were 
crowded  with  excited  citizens,  anxious  to  learn  the  decision 
of  Congress.  The  bell-ringer  of  the  old  state-house  had  taken 
his  post  in  the  steeple  at  an  early  hour,  that  he  migljt  lose  no 
time  in  announcing  to  the  people  that  their  independence 
was  formally  declared.  The  old  man  had  grown  impatient 
at  the  delay,  when  suddenly  he  heard  the  joyful  shout 
"Ring!  Ring!"  from  his  boy,  whom  he  had  stationed  to 
give  him  notice  of  the  anticipated  event.  Loudly  pealed  the 
old  bell,  and  as  loudly  were  its  tones  greeted  by  the  delight 
ed  citizens.  The  glorious  declaration  was  signed  by  all  the 
members  present,  and  the  thirteen  colonies  were  thenceforth 
known  as  "  the  Thirteen  United  States  of  America". 

The  news  was  everywhere  hailed  with  joy.  Washington, 
on  receiving  a  copy  of  the  document,  caused  the  troops  to  be 
paraded  and  the  Declaration  to  be  read  to  each  brigade. 
The  citizens  of  New  York  pulled  down  the  leaden  statue  of 

done  at  Brooklyn  ?  310.  What  was  Congress  now  importuned  to  do  ?  Who  made  the 
first  motion  on  this  subject  ?  Mention  the  names  of  the  committee  appointed  to  draft  a 
Declaration.  Who  prepared  the  document  ?  How  was  it  received  by  Congress  ?  What 
is  said  of  the  people  of  Philadelphia  ?  What,  of  the  bell-ringer  of  the  state-house-?  By 
whom  was  the  Declaration  signed  ?  What  were  the  thirteen  colonies  thenceforth  styled  ? 


224:  BATTLE   OF   LONG   ISLAND.  [l7T6 

George  III.  from  its  pedestal  in  the  Bowling  Green,  and 
afterwards  had  it  moulded  into  republican  bullets.  In  Phil 
adelphia,  the  people  illuminated  their  houses,  lighted  bonfires, 
tore  down  the  king's  arms  from  the  court-house,  and  burned 
them  in  the  streets.  In  Boston,  the  Declaration  Avas  publicly 
read  in  Faneuil  Hall,  amid  the  acclamations  of  assembled 
thousands. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

BATTLE    OP    LONG    ISLAND. 

311.  On  evacuating  Boston,  General  Howe  went  to  Hali 
fax,  whence  he  soon  after  set  sail  for  New  York.     By  the 
8th  of  July,  he  had  landed  9,000  men  on  Staten  Island,  and 
four  days  afterwards  his  brother,  Admiral  Howe,  arrived 
with  reinforcements  from  England.     These,  with  Clinton's 
detachment  and  subsequent  arrivals,  swelled  the  British  army 
to  30,000  men.    Of  these,  a  large  part  were  Germans,  gener 
ally  known  as  Hessians,  because  most  of  them  were  furnished 
by  the  Landgrave  of  Hes'-se  Cas'-sel.     The  British  govern 
ment  paid  the  princes  from  whom  they  hired  these  mercena 
ries  $36  for  each  man,  and  guaranteed  to  protect  their  do 
minions  from  attack. 

312.  Gen.  Howe  had  been  instructed  to  try  conciliatory 
measures  with  the  Americans.     Accordingly  he  issued   a 
proclamation,  offering  pardon  to  all  who  would  return  to 
their  allegiance.     Congress  caused  this  document  to  be  pub 
lished  in  the  papers  of  the  day,  to  show  the  people  that  the 
king  would  still  be  satisfied  with  nothing  but  their  absolute 
submission.     Howe  next   sent  an  officer  to  the  American 
camp  with  a  letter  addressed  to  George  Washington,  Esq. 
Washington  would  not  receive  it,  inasmuch  as  it  did  not 

What  did  Washington  do  on  receiving  the  news?    What  demonstrations  were  made  in 
New  York?     In  Philadelphia?    In  Boston? 

811.  What  course  did  Howe  take,  on  leaving  Boston?  On  the  8th  of  July,  what  did 
lie  do?  By  whom  was  he  joined  ?  How  large  an  army  did  he  soon  have?  From  what 
country  did  a  large  part  of  them  come  ?  What  were  they  called  ?  On  what  terms  did 
'he  British  government  procure  these  mercenaries?  312.  What  had  Howe  been  instruct- 


1776]  BRITISH    PLAN    OF    ATTACK.  225 

recognize  his  public  position.  The  address  was  then  altered 
to  George  Washington,  &c.,  &c. ;  and  the  officer  who  brought 
the  letter  tried  to  satisfy  the  commander  that  these  and-so- 
forths  bore  any  meaning  he  might  wish  to  give  them.  Wash 
ington  still  declined.  He  would  receive  no  letters,  he  in 
formed  the  British  officer,  that  were  not  directed  to  him  as 
commander  of  the  American  army.  He  had  heard  that  Lord 
Howe  was  empowered  to  grant  pardons ;  but,  as  those  who 
were  guilty  of  no  fault  needed  no  pardon,  he  did  not  see  the 
necessity  for  any  communication. 

313.  These  attempts  having  failed,  Howe  determined  to 
assume  the  offensive  without  further  delay.  On  the  22d  of 
August  (1776),  General  Clinton  crossed  from  Staten  Island 
to  the  southwest  point  of  Long  Island  with  10,000  men  and 
40  cannon.  Nine  thousand  Americans  had  been  stationed  in 
and  about  Brooklyn  under  Generals  Sullivan  and  Stirling, 
and  Putnam  was  hastily  sent  over  from  New  York,  to  take 
the  chief  command.  The  British  landed  without  opposition, 
and  advanced  in  three  divisions,  by  three  different  roads, 
crossing  the  thickly-wooded  heights  that  ran  across  the  island 
and  separated  them  from  the  Americans.  Gen.  Grant  took 
the  direct  left-hand  route  along  New  York  Bay.  The  Brit 
ish  centre,  consisting  of  Hessians  under  Gen.  Heister  \Jiise'- 
ter\,  advanced  by  the  Flatbush  road.  Clinton,  who  com 
manded  on  the  right,  was  to  take  a  circuitous  route  and  fall 
on  Sullivan's  rear.  The  attack  was  skilfully  planned  and 
well  carried  out. 

On  the  morning  of  the  27th,  Grant  advanced  as  far  as  the 
hills  now  embraced  in  Greenwood  Cemetery.  Here  he  was 
met  by  Stirling  with  1,500  men,  and  an  engagement  ensued 
without  any  positive  advantage  on  either  side.  Heister  pushed 
on  to  within  a  short  distance  of  Gen.  Sullivan,  and  kept  up  a 
brisk  cannonade  on  his  front.  It  was  answered  with  spirit 
by  the  Americans,  till,  to  their  dismay,  they  heard  a  distant 

ed  to  do  ?  Give  an  account  of  his  efforts  at  negotiation.  318.  On  what  did  Howe  now 
resolve?  What  was  done  by  the  British,  August  22,  1776?  How  many  Americana 
were  stationed  near  Brooklyn  ?  By  whom  were  they  commanded  ?  How  many  roads 
crossed  the  heights  of  Long  Island?  Give  an  account  of  the  British  advance.  What 

1U* 


226 


BATTLE   OF    LONG    ISLAND. 


[1776 


1 


BATTLE   OF  LONG   ISLAND. 

Americans  crncnizz:.        British    BBS 


firing  behind  them.  Clinton  had  gained  the  Jamaica  road, 
and  was  rapidly  advancing  on  their  rear.  Almost  surround 
ed,  they  could  hope  for  safety  only  in  a  hasty  retreat.  This 
Sullivan  attempted  ;  but  it  was  too  late.  The  British  already 
held  the  road,  and  drove  his  men  back  on  the  Hessians.  Only 
a  few  forced  their  way  through  Clinton's  ranks.  After  a 
desperate  struggle,  Sullivan,  with  many  of  his  officers  and 
men,  was  obliged  to  surrender. 

Cornwallis  [corn-wol1 -lis\  hastened  on  towards  the  Bay,  to 
cut  oif  Stirling's  division.  A  sharp  conflict  ensued,  and  the 
Americans,  driving  the  enemy  back,  reached  Go-wan'-us 
Creek.  In  trying  to  cross  this  stream,  a  number  were 
drowned ;  others  feared  to  attempt  the  passage,  and  were 

was  Clinton's  division  to  do?  [See  Map.— What  bay  east  of  Brooklyn?  Where  did 
the  British  land  ?  What  British  vessels  below  the  Narrows?  What  village  near  Gen. 
Bullivan's  position  ?]  Give  an  account  of  Grant's  movements.  Of  Heister's.  Of  Clin 
ton's.  How  was  Sullivan's  retreat  cut  off?  What  became  of  him  and  his  men  ?  De- 


1770J  KETREAT    OF   THE    AMERICANS.  227 

made  prisoners.  Stirling  himself  was  taken,  and  compara 
tively  few  of  his  men  reached  Fort  Putnam  in  safety.  The 
British  were  completely  victorious.  Their  loss  was  but  367: 
in  killed  and  wounded  ;  that  of  the  Americans  amounted  to 
1,650,  1,100  of  whom  were  prisoners.  The  latter,  doomed 
to  suffer  in  loathsome  prison-ships,  almost  regretted  that  they 
had  not  fallen  on  the  field. 

314.  While  the  battle  was  still  raging,  Washington  crossed 
from  New  York.     With  anguish  he  beheld  the  slaughter  of 
his  best  troops  ;  nor  could  he  attempt  their  relief  with  men 
from  the  fort,  for  already  the  garrison  was  too  small  for  its 
defence.     All  he  could  hope  to  do  was  to  save  the  remnant 
of  the  army.     Fortunately  Howe  did  not  attack  the  fort, 
but,  encamping  about  a  third  of  a  mile  from  it,  waited  for 
the  fleet  to  come  up.     The  next  morning  (August  28th),  the 
British  commenced  firing  on  the  fort.     At  midnight  a  heavy 
fog  arose,  which  hid  the  armies  from  each  other  throughout 
the  following  day.     On  the  evening  of  the  29th,  the  men 
were  silently  paraded,  and  about  midnight  they  commenced 
embarking  from  the  point  now  occupied  by  the  Fulton  Ferry. 
The  boats  moved  noiselessly  with  muffled  oars ;  and  in  the 
course  of  six  hours,  the  whole  army,  with  their  baggage  and 
munitions,  the  heavy  artillery  alone   excepted,  crossed  in 
safety  to  New  York.     Washington  remained  till  the  last 
company  had  embarked.     He  had  not  slept  for  two  days,  so 
great  was  his  anxiety  to  save  his  men. 

315.  Secure  of  his  prey,  Howe  had  no  suspicion  of  what 
was  going  on.     A  woman  living  near  the  ferry  discovered 
the  movement,  and  sent  a  negro  to  the  British  general  with 
the  intelligence.     But  providentially  falling  into  the  hands  of 
the  Hessians,  who  could  not  understand  what  he  said,  he  was 
detained  till  his  information  was  too  late  to  be  of  value. 
When  the  discovery  was  made,  soon  after  dawn,  a  troop  of 

scribe  Stirling's  engagement  with  Cornwallis.  What  was  the  fate  of  Stirling's  division  ? 
What  was  the  loss  on  both  sides  ?  What  was  the  fate  of  the  prisoners  ?  314.  What  is 
Bald  of  "Washington  ?  Where  did  Howe  encamp?  Give  an  account  of  the  movements 
of  Angust  2Sth  and  29th.  Describe  the  retreat  to  New  York.  815.  By  whom  was  the 
movement  of  the  Americans  discovered?  How  was  the  intelligence  prevented  from 
reaching  Gen.  Howe  ?  What  was  found  soon  after  dawn  ?  What  did  Howe  do?  What 


228  BATTLE   OF   LONG    ISLAND.  [l776 

British  horse  was  dispatched  to  the  river,  but  the  last  boat 
of  the  retreating  Americans  was  beyond  their  reach.  Mor« 
tified  that  he  had  allowed  the  enemy  to  escape,  Howe  took 
possession  of  Fort  Putnam,  and  allowed  his  men  a  few  days' 
rest. 

The  overthrow  on  Long  Island  was  every  way  disastrous 
to  the  Americans.  Besides  their  actual  loss,  it  deprived  the 
army  of  their  self-confidence,  led  to  the  desertion  of  hun 
dreds,  and  prevented  many  from  espousing  the  republican 
cause.  The  defeat  of  the  Americans  is  attributable  in  part 
to  their  total  want  of  cavalry,  but  principally  to  their  neg 
lecting  to  have  a  sufficient  guard  on  the  Jamaica  road.  It 
is  said  that  a  single  regiment  at  the  proper  point  could  have 
prevented  Clinton's  advance. 

316.  Supposing  that  the  Americans  might  now  incline  to 
peace,  Howe  sent  Sullivan  on  parole  with  a  proposition  to 
Congress.     A  committee  was  appointed  by  that  body  to 
confer  with  the  British  general ;  but,  as  neither  party  would 
make  concessions,  nothing  was   effected.     Franklin  was  on 
this  committee  ;  and,  when  Howe  spoke  of  England's  being 
ready  to  protect  the  colonies,  he  begged  to  assure  his  lord 
ship  that  the  colonies  felt  fully  able  to  protect  themselves. 

317.  The  British  army   was  soon  ready  to  attack  New 
York,  and  Washington  felt  that  with  the  means  at  his  com 
mand  he  could  not  successfully  oppose  them.     Accordingly, 
he  removed  his   stores  to  the  forts  above  the  city,  and  com 
menced  retreating  to  the  north.     It  being  highly  important 
to  gain  some   knowledge  of  Howe's    movements,   Captain 
Nathan  Hale,  of  Connecticut,  undertook  to  visit  the  British 
camp  as  a  spy.     He  reached  the  English  lines  in  safety,  and 
obtained  the  desired  information.     On  his  way  back,  how 
ever,  he  was  recognized  by  a  tory  relative,  who  arrested  him 
and  took  him  to  Howe's  head-quarters.     He  was  executed 
on  the  22d  of  September.     The  services  of  a  clergyman,  and 

was  the  effect  of  the  battle  of  Long  Island?  To  what  is  the  defeat  of  the  Americans 
attributable?  316.  What  attempt  at  negotiation  was  now  made?  How  did  it  result? 
What  answer  was  made  by  Franklin  ?  317.  What  were  Washington's  next  movements  * 
What  dangerous  enterprise  was  undertaken  by  Capt  Nathan  Halo  ?  Give  an  account 
of  it  What  was  Halo's  fate  ? 


i77ej  WASHINGTON'S  RETREAT.  229 

even  the  use  of  a  Bible,  were  denied  him  ;  and  letters  which 
he  had  written  to  his  mother  and  sisters  were  destroyed. 
His  last  words  were,  "  I  only  regret  that  I  have  but  one  life 
to  give  to  my  country." 


CHAPTER    VIII. 

WASHINGTON'S  RETREAT. — BATTLE  OF  WHITE  PLAINS. 

318.  ON  the  15th  of  September,  a  large  detachment  of 
the  British  army  crossed  the  East  River,  three  miles  above 
the  city,  and  spread  out  across  the  island.     Most  of  the 
American  army  had  made  good  their  retreat  towards  the 
Harlem  River ;  but  the  rear-guard,  consisting  of  4,000  men 
under  Putnam,  would  have  been  cut  off,  had  not  a  whig 
lady,  at  whose  house  the  British  generals  called  for  refresh 
ments,  managed  to  detain  them  with  her  hospitalities  till  the 
danger  was  past.   "  Putnam's  men  had  been  fifteen  hours 
under  arms,  and  not  a  few  fell  before  reaching  camp  from 
the  effects  of  fatigue  and  excessive  heat. 

319.  So  discouraged  were  the  Americans  by  their  recent 
disasters  that  Washington  found  some  vigorous  movement 
necessary  to  restore  their  confidence.     The  morning  after  the 
British  landed,  an  opportunity  occurred.     Several  parties  of 
the  enemy  approached  the  American  camp.    Engaging  their 
attention  by  an  attack  in  front,  Washington  sent  Colonel 
Knowlton  and  Major  Leitch  to  fall  upon  their  rear.     The 
British,  though  reinforced,  were  driven  from  the  field  with 
the  loss  of  more  than  100  men.     The  Americans  lost  about 
half  that  number,  among  whom  were  the  two  brave  officers 
just  mentioned. 

320.  The  British  now  held  possession  of  New  York.     At 
midnight  on  the  20th  of  September,  a  fire  broke  out  in  the 


818.  What  movement -was  made  by  the  British,  September  15, 1776?  Whither  had 
the  main  body  of  the  American  army  retreated  ?  How  was  their  rear-guard  saved  ? 
319.  What  took  place  on  the  morning  of  September  16th?  What  was  the  loss  on  both 
sides?  320.  What  took  place  in  New  York,  on  the  20th  of  September?  Meanwhile, 


230  BATTLE    OF    WHITE    PLAINS.  [1776 

city,  which  was  not  arrested  till  493  buildings,  including 
Trinity  Church,  were  consumed.  Meanwhile  the  Americans 
were  strengthening  their  position  on  the  upper  part  of  the 
island.  A  double  line  of  intrenchmerits  was  hastily  thrown 
up,  and  Fort  Washington  was  erected  on  a  rocky  height 
overlooking  the  Hudson.  Among  those  who  distinguished 
themselves  by  their  skill  in  the  construction  of  these  de 
fences  was  Alexander  Hamilton,  now  about  20  years  of  age. 
The  mathematical  perfection  of  his  work  elicited  the  admi 
ration  of  Washington,  who  invited  him  to  his  quarters,  and 
soon  made  him  his  chief  aid-de-camp  and  counsellor. 

321.  Deeming  the  American  works  too  strong  to  be  at 
tacked  in  front,  Howe  determined  to  gain  their  rear ;  and, 
having  sent  part    of  his  fleet  up   the  Hudson  to   prevent 
communication  with  the  west  and  south,  he  moved  up  the 
Sound  with  the  greater  part    f  his  army,  and  took  a  posi 
tion  northeast  of  Washington's  camp.     To  avoid  an  engage 
ment,  the  American  commander,  after  leaving  a  garrison  of 
about  3,000  men  in  Fort  Washington,  which  it  was  resolved 
to  hold  to  the  last  extremity,  withdrew  his  main  body  from 
Manhattan  Island,  and  after  a  trying  march  fixed  his  head 
quarters  at  White  Plains.     On  the  28th  of  October,  Howe 
came  up,  and  a  furious  cannonade  commenced.     The  Amer 
icans,  having  been  driven  from  one  of  their  positions,  fell 
back  a  short  distance,  and  intrenched  themselves  so  strongly 
during  the  ensuing  night  that  Howe  deemed  it  prudent  to 
wait  for  reinforcements.     Before  he  was  ready  to  renew  the 
attack,  Washington  withdrew  to  North  Castle,  among  the 
hills  south  of  the  Croton  River.     Howe  did  not  follow,  but, 
after  remaining  several  days  at  White  Plains,  retired  to 
wards  New  York. 

322.  The  plans  of  the  British  general  were  not  known ; 
but  Washington,  apprehending  a  descent  upon  Philadelphia, 
left  Gen.  Lee  with  about  4,000  men  at  North  Castle,  and 


what  were  the  Americans  doing?  Who  distinguished  himself  in  this  work  ?  To  what 
post  was  Hamilton  soon  raised  ?  821.  What  were  the  next  movements  of  the  British  ¥ 
How  did  Washington  meet  them  ?  Where  did  he  fix  his  head-quarters?  What  took 
place, October  2Sth ?  Where  did  Washington  finally  go?  What  did  Howe  do?  322, 


1776] 


CAPTURE    OF    FORT    WASHINGTON. 


231 


crossed  the  Hudson. 
He  fixed  his  head 
quarters  at  Fort  Lee 
[see  Map],  a  post  on 
the  Jersey  shore,  near 
ly  opposite  Fort  Wash 
ington,  held  by  Gen 
eral  Greene.  Here  he 
received  intelligence 
from  the  north.  Ar 
nold  had  bravely  met 
the  British  naval  force 
on  Lake  Champlain. 
Crown  Point  was  in 
possession  of  the  ene 
my,  but  Ticonderoga 
seemed  to  be  safe  for 
the  season. 

323.  On  the  17th 
of  November,  Fort 
Washington  was  un 
expectedly  attacked 
by  an  overwhelming 
force.  The  American 
chief  sent  a  message 
across  the  river  to  the 
commandant  to  hold 
out  till  evening,  that 
he  might  try  to  bring  off  the  garrison.  But  their  ammuni 
tion  failed,  and  the  fort  was  surrendered  with  2,818  men. 
The  British  had  nearly  1,000  killed  and  wounded.  The  loss 
of  this  stronghold  caused  a  general  depression  among  the 
friends  of  America.  Washington  was  censured  for  attempt 
ing  to  hold  the  post,  as  well  as  for  want  of  courage  in  not 

What  did  Washington  apprehend?  What  course  did  he  pursue?  [See  Map. — Where 
did  the  British  land,  October  12?  What  river  lay  between  their  route  and  that  of  the 
Americans?  What  river  still  further  to  the  west?]  Where  did  Washington  fix  his 
head -quarters?  What  intelligence  did  he  here  receive?  323.  What  took  place,  No 
vember  17th  ?  How  many  Americans  surrendered  ?  What  was  the  British  loss  ?  VF  hat 


AMERICAN  [cmizricn]  AND  BRITISH  [i 

ARMIES    AT   WHITE   PLAINS, 


232        WASHINGTON    RETREATS    ACROSS    NEW   JERSEY.    [l776 

meeting  the  enemy  in  the  field.  Without  knowing  the  dis 
advantages  under  which  he  labored,  many  condemned  his 
successive  retreats,  which  alone  insured  the  safety  of  his 
army  and  the  ultimate  establishment  of  American  liberty. 

324.  On  the  19th  of  November,  the  British  crossed  the 
Hudson.  After  taking  Fort  Lee,  which  was  abandoned  on 
their  approach,  they  started  in  pursuit  of  Washington's  army, 
now  reduced  to  3,000  men.  Orders  had  been  sent  to  Lee, 
to  bring  on  his  detachment  from  North  Castle,  but  they 
were  disobeyed  on  various  pretexts.  A  rapid  and  melan 
choly  retreat  across  New  Jersey  was  conducted  by  Wash 
ington  in  his  usual  masterly  manner,  the  British  pressing 
closely  on  his  rear.  The  American  troops  suffered  much, 
many  of  them  being  without  shoes,  and  leaving  blood-stained 
tracks  on  the  frozen  ground.  At  last  they  reached  the  Del 
aware  at  Trenton,  and,  the  boats  having  been  secured  for  a 
distance  of  TO  miles,  crossed  to  Pennsylvania.  Comwallis 
came  up  soon  after ;  but,  instead  of  bridging  the  river  or 
building  boats,  he  preferred  waiting  till  the  ice  should  enable 
him  to  cross,  stationing  detachments  in  Princeton,  New 
Brunswick,  and  various  points  on  the  Jersey  shore  of  the- 
Delaware. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

BATTLES    OF   TRENTON   AND   PRINCETON. 

325.  WASHINGTON'S  army  seemed  on  the  eve  of  dissolu 
tion.  The  defeats  it  had  sustained,  its  lamentable  condition, 
and  the  news  of  advantages  gained  by  the  British  in  Rhode 
Island  and  elsewhere,  led  to  constant  desertions,  and  deterred 
those  who  favored  the  patriot  cause  from  arming  in  its  de- 
was  the  effect  of  the  capture  of  Fort  Washington  ?  824.  What  was  the  next  movement 
of  the  British  ?  How  large  was  Washington's  army?  What  orders  were  sent  to  Lee? 
Describe  the  retreat  of  the  Americans.  What  was  their  condition  ?  How  far  did  Corn- 
wallis  continue  the  pursuit  ?  While  waiting  to  cross  on  the  ice,  what  disposition  did 
he  make  of  his  troops  ? 
325.  What  was  the  condition  of  Washington's  army  ?  What  causes  led  to  desertions  ? 


1776] 


BATTLE   OF   TRENTON. 


233 


fence.  Philadelphia  was  in  danger,  and  Congress  deemed  it 
prudent  to  remove  to  Baltimore.  General  Lee,  advancing 
leisurely  in  spite  of  Washington's  commands,  and  taking 
quarters  at  a  distance  from  his  troops,  was  captured  by  a 
scouting  party  of  the  enemy.  But  Sullivan,  who  had  been 
exchanged  for  a  British  general,  succeeded  to  his  command, 
and  speedily  effected  a  union  with  Washington.  About  the 
same  time,  some  recruits  from  Pennsylvania  reached  the 
American  camp,  and  the  commander-in-chief  thus  found  him 
self  at  the  head  of  about  5,000  men. 

326.  To  revive  the  spirits  of  his  countrymen,  Washington 
resolved  on  a  bold  enterprise.  Trenton  was  occupied  by 
1,500  Hessians  under  Col.  Rahl,  and  a  troop  of  British  horse. 
Supposing  that  the  Germans,  according  to  their  custom,  would 
spend  Christmas  in  revelry,  and  rest  soundly  after  their  ca 
rousals,  he  determined  to  attempt  a  surprise.  The  night  of 
December  25th  was  starless  and  stormy.  The  Delaware  was 
full  of  ice.  Two  divisions  of  the  American  army  were  unable 
to  cross  ;  but  the  third,  under  Washington  and  Sullivan, 
made  the  passage,  and  at  four  on  the  morning  of  the  26th  com 
menced  their  march  for  Trenton. 

The  surprise  was  suc- 
sessful.  Col.  Rahl,  still 
engaged  in  his  revels,  was 
suddenly  startled  by  the 
sound  of  musketry.  Has 
tening  to  his  men,  he 
found  them  hemmed  in 
on  all  sides,  and,  while 
endeavoring  to  form  them 

for  action,  he  Was  mortal- 

ly  wounded.      Nearly  a 

thousand  Hessians  at  once  threw  down  their  arms.    The  rest, 

What  did  Congress  deem  it  prndent  to  do?  What  befell  Gen.  Lee?  What  became  of 
his  army?  How  was  Washington's  force  further  increased?  326.  On  what  did  Wash 
ington  resolve?  By  whom  was  Trenton  occupied?  Describe  the  crossing  of  the  Del 
aware.  [See  Map.—  At  the  junction  of  what  two  streams  is  Trenton  ?  Which  general 
took  the  route  nearest  the  river  ?]  How  was  Col.  Rahl  engaged  ?  What  did  he  do  ? 
What  befell  him?  How  many  Hessians  surrendered?  What  was  Washington's  next 


MOVEMENT*  ABOTTT  TRENTON,  DEO.  26,  17T6— 

JAN.  s,  mi. 


234  BATTLE   OF   PRINCETON.  [lT76 

with  the  British  horse,  had  made  good  their  escape.  Aware 
that  he  could  not  hold  Trenton  against  the  superior  force 
which  could  be  concentrated  there  in  a  few  hours,  Washington 
recrossed  the  Delaware  with  his  prisoners  and  spoils.  He  had 
lost  but  four  men,  two  of  whom  were  frozen  to  death.  This 
brilliant  achievement  restored  the  courage  of  his  men  and 
the  confidence  of  the  people.  Howe,  in  alarm,  ordered  Corn- 
wallis,  who  was  on  the  point  of  embarking  for  England,  back 
to  New  Jersey.  Congress  invested  Washington  with  extra 
ordinary  powers,  gave  him  the  absolute  control  of  the  war, 
and  endeavored  to  carry  out  the  measures  he  suggested. 
Fourteen  hundred  soldiers,  whose  terms  were  about  expiring, 
were  induced  to  remain  six  weeks  longer  by  a  bounty  of  $10 
apiece. 

327.  Four  days  after  this  victory,  Washington  again  cross 
ed  the  Delaware,  and  took  post  at  Trenton.  On  the  2d  of 
January,  IT 7 7,  news  was  received  that  Cornwallis  was  ap 
proaching  with  a  powerful  force.  After  some  skirmishing 
the  Americans  fell  back,  and,  night  coming  on,  both  parties 
rested  on  their  arms  [see  Map,  p.  233].  Washington  did  not 
like  either  to  hazard  an  engagement,  or,  by  a  retreat,  to  leave 
Philadelphia  exposed  to  the  enemy.  He  therefore  conceived 
the  bold  design  of  marching  by  a  circuitous  route  to  Prince 
ton  and  surprising  the  British  force  stationed  at  that  place. 
Leaving  his  fires  burning,  he  silently  withdrew  his  men,  and 
early  on  the  morning  of  the  3d  of  January  reached  Princeton. 

The  surprise  would  have  been  complete,  had  not  the  Amer 
icans  met  a  brigade  of  the  enemy  already  on  the  march  for 
Trenton.  An  engagement  took  place,  and  the  American  van, 
under  Gen.  Mercer,  having  no  bayonets,  were  driven  back. 
The  British  pursued,  but  at  this  moment  Washington  came 
up  and  placed  himself  between  his  flying  troops  and  the  ad 
vancing  enemy.  Col.  Fitzgerald,  his  aid,  thinking  that  the 

movement  ?  How  many  men  did  he  lose  ?  What  was  the  effect  of  this  achievement 
on  the  Americans,  on  the  British,  and  on  Congress?  How  were  1,400  soldiers  induced 
to  remain  ?  32T.  On  the  28th  of  December,  what  did  Washington  do  ?  A  few  days 
after,  what  news  was  received  ?  What  did  the  Americans  do?  [See  Map,  p.  233.— What 
position  did  the  Americans  take,  January  2d  ?  What  place  was  on  the  Princeton  road  ?] 
What  bold  design  was  conceived  by  Washington  ?  How  was  the  surprise  prevented  ? 


1777]  WASHINGTON    RECOVERS    NEW    JERSEY.  235 

general's  death  was  certain,  drew  his  hat  over  his  face  that 
he  might  not  see  him  fall.  A  roar  of  musketry  followed,  and 
Fitzgerald's  heart  almost  ceased  to  beat  as  he  looked  up  to 
ascertain  the  fate  of  his  commander.  To  his  joy,  his  beloved 
chief  was  uninjured.  "The  British  were  repulsed,  but  the 
Americans  sustained  a  heavy  loss  in  the  fall  of  Gen.  Mercer. 
He  was  trying  to  rally  his  men  on  foot,  when  he  was  struck 
to  the  ground  and  surrounded  by  the  enemy.  Refusing  to 
ask  for  quarter,  he  defended  himself  with  his  swTord,  till  he 
received  a  mortal  wound  from  a  British  bayonet. 

The  first  intimation  received  by  Cornwallis  of  his  adver 
sary's  successful  manoeuvre,  was  the  distant  roar  of  cannon. 
Mortified  at  having  been  out-generalled,  he  hastened  to  the 
field  of  battle,  Jbut  arrived  too  late.  Washington  had 
achieved  a  victory,  and  retired.  The  Americans,  completely 
exhausted  by  want  of  sleep  and  their  late  exertions,  at  length 
reached  Morristown  in  safety,  and  there  Washington  estab 
lished  his  winter-quarters.  The  British  lost  about  400,  killed, 
wounded,  and  captured,  hi  the  battle  of  Princeton ;  the  Amer 
icans,  one-fourth  of  that  number. 

328.  Cornwallis  proceeded  to  New  Brunswick,  but  was 
assailed  on  the  route  by  hostile  parties,  who  hung  on  his  rear, 
cut  off  stragglers,  and  embarrassed  his  movements.  The 
brutal  outrages  of  the  invaders,  particularly  the  Hessians, 
from  which  not  even  the  loyalists  were  exempt,  awakened 
general  indignation  and  led  many  to  take  arms  against  them. 
Several  expeditions  were  sent  out  by  Washington,  which  re 
sulted  in  the  recovery  of  the  greater  part  of  New  Jersey, 
New  Brunswick  and  Amboy  being  at  last  the  only  posts  held 
by  the  British.  A  scarcity  of  tents  and  blankets  occasioned 
for  a  time  great  distress  in  the  American  camp ;  but  this  was 
relieved  by  a  generous  contribution  from  the  people  of  Phil 
adelphia. 

Give  tin  account  of  the  engagement.  What  story  is  told  of  "Washington's  exposure? 
Who  gained  the  victory  ?  Relate  the  circumstances  of  Gen.  Mercer's  fall.  What  was 
Cornwallis's  first  intimation  of  Washington's  movement?  What  did  he  do?  Where 
did  Washington  fix  his  winter-quarters?  What  was  the  loss  on  both  sides  in  the  battle 
of  Princeton  ?  328.  What  is  said  of  Ccrnwallis's  march  to  New  Brunswick  ?  What  led 
many  to  take  up  arms  against  the  British  ?  To  what  posts  in  Jersey  were  the  British  at 
last  cenfined  ?  What  occasioned  distress  in  the  American  camp  ?  How  was  it  relieved  ? 


236  LA  FAYETTE'S  ARRIVAL.  [me 

CHAPTER   X. 

LA  FAYETTE'S  ARRIVAL. — TRYON  IN  COISTNECTICUT. — CAPTURE 
OF  GEN.  PRESCOTT. 

329.  IN  March,  1776,  Congress  had  sent  Silas  Deane,  of 
Connecticut,  to  solicit  the  aid  of  France.  He  was  joined  by 
Benjamin  Franklin  and  Arthur  Lee.  The  French  court,  al 
ways  hostile  to  England,  listened  to  the  American  commis 
sioners  with  respectful  attention,  but  hesitated  to  lend  any 
open  assistance  to  a  cause  whose  chance  of  success  seemed  so 
slender.  Aid,  however,  was  secretly  furnished.  More  than 
20,000  stands  of  arms  and  1,000  barrels  of  powder  reached 
America  in  the  course  of  the  ensuing  year. 

The  nobility  of  France  generally  looked  on  the  movements 
of  the  American  people  as  a  rebellion  against  their  lawful 
sovereign ;  and,  though  they  heartily  disliked  England,  they 
felt  little  sympathy  with  the  republican  cause.  There  was 
one  among  them,  however,  a  young  captain  of  dragoons, 
who  believed  the  people  right  in  resisting  oppression  and 
viewed  their  struggles  with  admiration.  This  was  the  Mar 
quis  de  La  Fayette  \du  lah  fa-elf}.  At  an  entertainment 
given  to  a  brother  of  the  English  king,  he  first  heard  of  the 
Declaration  of  Independence.  Its  arguments  carried  con 
viction  to  his  heart ;  and,  though  allured  by  brilliant  pros 
pects  at  home  and  just  married  to  a  woman  whom  he  ten 
derly  loved,  he  devoted  himself  to  a  cause  which  he  felt  to 
be  as  just  as  it  seemed  hopeless.  Promised  by  Mr.  Deane  a 
commission  as  major-general  in  the  United  States  army,  La 
Fayette  determined  to  set  out  at  once.  But  there  were  dif 
ficulties  in  the  way.  His  family  objected  to  his  going ;  the 
British  minister  opposed  it ;  and  the  king  withheld  his  per 
mission.  The  young  marquis,  however,  was  not  to  be  de 
terred  by  such  obstacles.  Purchasing  a  vessel,  he  escaped 

829.  Who  were  sent  to  France  to  solicit  aid  for  the  United  States?  What  was  the 
result  of  their  efforts?  How  did  the  French  nobility  generally  feel  towards  the  Ameri 
cans  ?  Who  is  mentioned  as  an  exception  ?  Where  did  La  Fayette  first  hear  of  the 
Declaration  of  Independence  ?  What  resolve  did  ho  at  once  form  ?  What  rank  was 


1777]  TRYON   IN   CONNECTICUT.  237 

the  officers  sent  to  detain  him,  and,  with  De  Kalb  and  a  few 
others  who  sympathized  with  America,  arrived  at  Charleston. 
He  received  the  promised  commission  in  July,  1777,  before 
completing  his  twentieth  year.  His  acquaintance  with  Wash 
ington  commenced  a  few  days  after,  and  ripened  into  a  firm 
and  uninterrupted  friendship. 

330.  Towards  the  close  of  April,  1777,  Gov.  Try  on  was 
sent  from  New  York  with  2,000  men  to  destroy  some  Ameri 
can  stores  collected  at  Danbury,  Conn.     He  accomplished  the 
work,  and,  on  his  return  to  the  coast,  gratified  his  malice  by 
plundering  the  inhabitants  and  devastating  the  country.     A 
body  of  militia  hastily  assembled  under  Generals  Wooster, 
Arnold,  and  Silliman,  and  handled  the  marauders  so  roughly 
that  they  were  glad  to  reach  their  boats.    Tryon  lost  about 
300  men ;  the  Americans  one-fifth  as  many.     Gen.  Wooster, 
though  a  man  of  seventy,  fought  with  all  the  vigor  of  youth, 
and  was  mortally  wounded.     Arnold  received  the  fire  of  a 
whole  platoon  at  a  distance  of  thirty  yards,  but  escaped  un 
injured. 

331.  Soon  after  this,  Colonel  Meigs  retaliated,  by  crossing 
from  Connecticut  and  burning  12  British  vessels  and  a  large 
quantity  of  stores  at  Sag  Harbor,  near  the  eastern  extremity 
of  Long  Island.     He  brought  back  ninety  prisoners,  without 
the  loss  of  a  single  man. 

332.  Another  exploit,  in  Rhode  Island,  showed  no  little 
daring.     The  command  of  the  British  forces  in  that  quarter 
devolved  on  Gen.  Prescott,  whose  tyranny  excited  the  indig 
nation  of  the  inhabitants.     Feeling  secure  in  the  presence  of 
a  large  naval  force  in  the  bay,  he  fixed  his  quarters,  with  a 
small  guard,  about  five  miles  from  Newport.     Lieutenant- 
colonel  Barton,  of  Providence,  having  received  from  a  de 
serter  a  full  description  of  the  place,  set  out  with  40  brave 
men,  on  the  night  of  July  10th,  1777,  to  capture  the  British 

promised  La  Fayette?  What  difficulties  stood  in  the  way  of  his  going?  How  did  he 
conquer  them  ?  When  did  he  obtain  his  commission  ?  How  was  he  received  by  Wash 
ington  ?  830.  What  expedition  was  undertaken  by  the  British  towards  the  close  of  April  ? 
Give  an  account  of  the  manner  in  which  the  invaders  were  met.  What  was  the  loss  on 
each  side?  831.  Give  an  account  of  Meigs'  expedition.  332.  Who  commanded  the 
British  forces  in  Khode  Island  ?  What  is  said  of  his  conduct  ?  Where  had  he  fixed  his 


238 


CAPTURE   OF   GEN.  PEESCOTT. 


[1777 


general.  Rowing  silently  past  the  enemy's  cajrnp,  so  near 
that  they  heard  the  call  of  the  guard,  they  landed  about  a 
mile  from  Prescott's  lodgings,  and  proceeded  thither  with 
all  speed.  A  British  sentinel  demanded  the  countersign. 
"  We  have  none,"  replied  Barton,  "  but  have  you  seen  any 
deserters  here  to-night  ?"  The  sentinel  supposed  the  party 
to  be  friends,  and  before  he  perceived  his  mistake,  was  seizedj 
disarmed,  and  threatened  with  instant  death  if  he  made  any 
noise.  The  Americans  soon  reached  the  house.  Prescott's 
door  was  locked,  but  a  negro  forced  it  open  with  his  head. 
Barton  seized  the  general,  whom  he  found  sitting  up  in  bed, 


CAPTUKK  OF   QEN.   PBKSCOTT. 

and  hurried  him  half-dressed  to  the  boats.  A  soldier  had 
escaped  from  the  building  and  alarmed  the  cavalry ;  but  they 
laughed  at  his  fears,  and  said  that  he  must  have  seen  a  ghost. 
"Not  till  the  Americans  had  reached  the  shore  was  the  truth 
discovered.  The  British  fleet  fired  on  the  brave  little  party, 
but  they  escaped  uninjured.  "  You  have  made  a  bold  push 

quarters?  Who  undertook  to  capture  him?  Give  an  account  of  Barton's  expedition. 
What  passed  between  Prescott  and  Barton  after  they  had  landed  ?  How  did  Congress 
reward  this  exploit?  333.  When  did  Congress  adopt  a  national  flag?  Describe  it 


1777] 


ADOPTION   OF   A    NATIONAL   FLAG. 


239 


to-night,"  said  Prescott,  as  they  landed,  beyond  the  reach  of 
pursuit.  "  We  have  done  as  well  as  we  could,"  answered 
Barton.  Congress  rewarded  this  gallant  act  by  presenting 
Barton  a  sword  and  promo 
ting  him  to  the  rank  of 
colonel. 

333.  In  July,  1777,  Con 
gress  adopted  a  national  flag, 
consisting  of  thirteen  stripes, 
alternately  red  and  white, 
with  thirteen  white  stars  in 
a  blue  field.  The  number 
of  stars  was  afterwards  in 
creased,  a  new  one  being 
added  for  each  new  state  ad 
mitted  into  the  Union. 


FLAG   OF  THE   UNITED  8TJITK8. 


CHAPTER   XI. 

BURGOYNE'S    CAMPAIGN   AND    SURRENDER. 

334.  WHILE  Howe  was  endeavoring  to  bring  Washington 
to  an  engagement,  Gen.  Burgoyne,  who  had  concentrated 
an  army  of  10,000  men  in  Canada,  was  advancing  towards 
the  head-waters  of  the  Hudson.  His  object  was  to  effect  a 
junction  with  the  southern  army,  after  garrisoning  the  im 
portant  posts  on  his  route  and  thus  cutting  off  Washington's 
communication  with  the  eastern  states.  On  the  21st  of  June 
he  gave  a  war-feast,  on  the  west  bank  of  Lake  Champlain,  to 
400  Indians,  among  whom  was  Little  Turtle,  afterwards  the 
leader  of  a  powerful  confederacy.  The  chiefs  promised  their 
aid,  and,  as  they  looked  on  his  splendid  array,  believed  his 
boastful  promise  of  a  speedy  triumph  over  the  "rebels". 

The  invading  host  soon  reached  Ticonderoga,  which  was 
commanded  by  Gen.  St.  Clair  and  garrisoned  by  about  3,000 


834   Meanwhile,  who  had  succeeded  to  the  command  in  Canada?    Give  an  account 
of  Eurgoyne's  movements  and  object    On  the  21st  of  June,  what  took  place?    What 


240  BUKGOYNE'S  CAMPAIGN.  [1777 

Americans.  St.  Clair  had  determined  to  hold  out  to  the  last 
extremity ;  but,  to  his  dismay,  he  soon  saw  the  British  erect 
ing  batteries  on  Mount  Defiance  [see  Map.  p.  169],  a  rocky 
height  commanding  the  fort,  which  he  had  deemed  inacces 
sible.  A  speedy  retreat  was  necessary.  Before  daylight  on 
the  6th  of  July,  the  ammunition  and  stores  were  on  the  way 
to  Skenesborough  [skeenzf-bur-ro\,  now  Whitehall,  at  the 
head  of  the  Lake.  At  the  same  time  the  army  silently 
crossed  and  took  the  road  for  Fort  Edward,  to  join  Gen. 
Schuyler  [ski'-ler]  and  the  rest  of  the  northern  army.  The 
British,  after  pursuing  St.  Clair  and  defeating  his  rear-guard, 
took  Skenesborough  and  the  valuable  stores  there  collected. 
Early  in  July,  Burgoyne  had  issued  a  proclamation  offering 
pardon  and  protection  to  all  who  would  abandon  the  rebel 
cause,  and  threatening  those  who  adhered  to  it  with  the  seve 
rest  punishment.  This  was  met  by  Schuyler  with  a  counter- 
proclamation  in  which  he  reminded  his  countrymen  of  the 
protection  that  had  been  extended  to  the  people  of  New  Jer 
sey,  and  warned  them  against  listening  to  the  deceitful  prom 
ises  of  the  enemy. 

335.  The  loss  of  so  many  strongholds  in  the  north,  with 
out  a  blow  in  their  defence,  produced  general  alarm,  and  led 
many  to  charge  Schuyler  and  St.  Clair  with  inefficiency ;  but 
an  investigation  instituted  by  Congress  proved  that  they  had 
done  all  that  the  means  at  their  command  allowed.  Some 
of  the  ablest  officers  in  the  American  service  were  ordered 
to  the  north,  to  aid  in  arresting  Burgoyne's  advance :  among 
these  were  Lincoln,  to  whom  the  Massachusetts  troops  were 
intrusted ;  Arnold,  noted  for  his  fiery  courage ;  and  Morgan 
with  his  famous  corps  of  riflemen.  Burgoyne's  advance  was 
slow,  for  it  was  necessary  to  remove  the  obstructions  which 
the  Americans  had  placed  in  his  way.  On  the  30th  of  July, 
he  reached  Fort  Edward,  which  Schuyler  was  compelled  to 

post  (lid  Burgoyne  soon  reach  ?  Who  commanded  at  Ticondcroga  ?  What  had  St.  Clair 
resolved?  What  altered  his  determination?  Give  an  account  of  the  retreat.  What 
were  Burgoyne's  next  movements?  What  proclamation  had  Burgoyne  issued ?  How 
did  Schuyler  reply  ?  335.  With  what  were  Schuyler  and  St.  Clair  charged  ?  What  was 
the  result  of  an  investigation  into  their  conduct?  What  officers  were  sent  to  the  north? 
What  is  said  of  Burgoync's  advance?  What  place  was  reached,  July  30th?  On  what 


1777J  TRAGICAL   FATE   OF   JANE   M'CREA.  241 

abandon.  The  American  army  fell  back  successively  on  Sar 
atoga,  Still  water,  and  the  Mohawk,  near  its  junction  with 
the  Hudson. 

336.  The  Indians  who  had  promised  Burgoyne  their  friend 
ship,  accompanied  his  army,  committing  their  usual  barbar 
ities  whenever  opportunity  offered.     One  of  their  bloody 
acts  at  this  time  excited  universal  abhorrence.     Near  Fort 
Edward,  in  the  family  of  her  brother,  lived  Jane  M'Crea 
[ma-cra],  who  was  engaged  to  Lieutenant  Jones,   of  the 
British  army.     When  Burgoyne's  approach  was  announced, 
Mr.  M'Crea,  being  a  whig,  started  for  Albany;  but  Jane,  in 
the  hope  of  meeting  her  lover,  ventured  to  remain  with  a 
Mrs.  McNeil  \neel\  a  neighbor  and  friend,  who,  being  a 
loyalist  and  cousin  of  the  British  General  Frazer,  apprehend 
ed  no  danger  from  the  approaching  army.     On  the  27th  of 
July,  however,  the  house  was  surrounded  by  Indians,  and 
Mrs.  McNeil  and  Jane  were  seized  and  hurried  off  by  differ 
ent  parties.     An  alarm  having  been  raised  in  the  American 
camp,  they  were  pursued  and  fired  upon.     Mrs.  McNeil  was 
forced  to  the  ground  by  her  captors  that  the  bullets  might 
pass  over  her,  and  reached  the  British  camp  in  safety.    Soon 
after,  another  party  of  Indians  came  in,  and  Mrs.  McNeil  to 
her  horror  recognized  among  the  scalps  in  their  possession 
the  long  glossy  hair  of  her  friend.  The  Indians  were  charged 
with  having  murdered  her  on  the  road.    They  asserted,  how 
ever,  that  she  was  killed  by  an  American  ball,  while  they 
were  trying  to  bring  her  off,  and  that  they  had  then  scalped 
her  to  obtain  the  bounty  which  the  British  were  in  the  habit 
of  paying.     Lieutenant  Jones  secured  this  sad  memento  of 
his  betrothed,  and  resigned  his  command.     His  resignation 
not  being  accepted,  he  deserted.     More  than  fifty  years,  we 
are  told,  he  h'ved  remote  from  society,  a  heart-broken  man, 
observing  each  anniversary  of  the  day  that  proved  fatal  to 
his  happiness. 

337.  Before  leaving  Canada,  Burgoyne  had  detached  Col. 
St.  Leger,  with  about  700  men,  to  reduce  the  valley  of  the 

places  did  Schuyler  successively  fall  back  ?  886.  By  whom  were  many  barbarities  com- 
mittedT  Tell  the  story  of  Jane  M'Crea.  What  became  of  Lieut  Jones  ?  837.  Before 

11 


24:2  BURGOYNE'S  CAMPAIGN.  [1777 

Mohawk.  His  force  being  doubled  by  Indians  and  tories, 
who  joined  him  as  he  advanced  from  Oswego,  he  devastated 
the  country,  and  laid  siege  to  Fort  Schuyler,  previously 
called  Fort  Stanwix,  on  the  site  of  the  present  village  of 
Rome,  N".  Y.  This  post  was  bravely  defended  by  Col.  Gan'- 
se-voort,  but  the  ammunition  and  supplies  of  the  garrison 
were  insufficient  for  a  siege.  Gen.  Her'-ki-mer,  while  ad 
vancing  to  then*  relief  with  a  body  of  militia,  fell  into  an 
ambuscade  at  O-ris'-ka-ny,  was  defeated  and  mortally  wound 
ed.  The  only  hope  of  aid  now  rested  on  Gen.  Schuyler. 
Two  officers  of  the  garrison  undertook  to  inform  him  of  their 
critical  situation.  Leaving  the  fort  at  night,  during  a  vio 
lent  storm,  they  crept  to  the  Mohawk,  crossed  it  on  a  log, 
threaded  their  way  through  hostile  Indians,  and  at  last 
reached  Schuyler's  camp.  Arnold  and  800  men  volunteered 
to  relieve  the  beleaguered  fort.  Unwilling  to  risk  an  en 
gagement  with  a  superior  force  if  it  could  be  avoided,  Ar 
nold  had  recourse  to  stratagem.  A  tory  prisoner  under 
sentence  of  death  was  pardoned  on  condition  that  he  would 
go  to  St.  Leger's  camp  and  spread  the  report  that  a  large 
American  army  was  within  a  few  hours'  march.  His  state 
ments,  confirmed  by  a  scout  also  sent  by  Arnold,  produced 
such  a  panic  among  the  Indians  and  British,  already  discour 
aged  by  the  brave  resistance  of  the  garrison,  that  they  pre 
cipitately  fled,  leaving  their  tents,  baggage,  provisions,  and 
artillery  behind  them.  St.  Leger's  force  was  completely 
dispersed. 

338.  Meanwhile  Gen.  Schuyler  was  collecting  reinforce 
ments,  and  strengthening  his  position  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Mohawk,  where  he  had  determined  to  make  a  stand  against 
the  enemy.  Burgoyne,  on  the  other  hand,  finding  it  diffi 
cult  to  obtain  provisions,  and  hearing  that  the  Americans 
had  large  supplies  at  Bennington,  sent  Col.  Baum  thither 

leaving  Canada,  what  expedition  had  Burgoyne  sent  out?  By  whom  was  St  Legcr 
joined  ?  What  place  did  he  besiege  ?  By  whom  was  Fort  Schuyler  defended  ?  Under 
what  disadvantages  did  the  garrison  labor?  Who  attempted  to  relieve  them?  "What 
befell  Gen.  Herkimer?  How  was  Schuyler  informed  of  the  danger  of  Fort  Schuylorf 
Who  volunteered  to  go  to  its  relief?  Eelate  Arnold's  artifice.  What  was  the  result? 
888.  What  was  Gen.  Schuyler  doing  in  the  mean  time  ?  What  expedition  did  Bur- 


1777]  BATTLE    OF   BENNINGTON.  243 

with  500  regulars  and  tories  and  a  number  of  Indians  to 
seize  on  whatever  he  could  find.  A  few  miles  from  Ben- 
nington,  Baum  was  met  by  Gen.  Stark  with  a  body  of  New 
Hampshire  militia  and  such  volunteers  as  could  be  hastily 
raised.  The  two  armies  came  in  sight  of  each  other  on  the 
15th  of  August,  but  a  violent  rain  prevented  them  from  en 
gaging.  A  minister  who  had  come  with  part  of  his  flock  to 
strike  a  blow  for  his  country,  was  impatient  at  the  delay ; 
but  Stark  comforted  him  with  the  promise,  that,  if  the  next 
day  was  clear,  he  should  have  fighting  enough.  And  he 
kept  his  word. 

Early  on  the  16th,  Stark  prepared  for  the  attack.  As  he 
beheld  the  enemy's  columns  forming,  he  exclaimed,  "  See, 
men !  There  are  the  red-coats.  We  must  beat  to-day,  or 
Molly  Stark's  a  widow."  For  two  hours  the  battle  raged 
furiously.  At  last  the  British  were  driven  from  the  field 
with  the  loss  of  their  artillery  and  baggage.  A  few  hours 
after,  a  detachment  which  had  been  sent  to  the  aid  of  Baum 
shared  the  same  fate.  In  these  engagements,  the  British 
had  207  killed  and  about  600  taken  prisoners;  the  American 
loss  amounted  to  200  in  killed  and  wounded.  Four  brass 
cannon  and  ammunition  wagons,  900  swords,  and  1,000  stands 
of  arms,  were  secured  by  the  victors. 

339.  The  patriotism  which  actuated  the  Americans  at  this 
time  is  illustrated  in  the  case  of  an  old  man  who  had  five 
sons  at  the  battle  of  Bennington.  A  neighbor  who  had  just 
come  from  the  field  told  him  that  one  of  them  had  been  un 
fortunate.  "  Has  he  proved  a  coward  or  traitor  ?"  anxiously 
asked  the  father.  "  Worse  than  that,"  was  the  answer ;  "  he 
has  fallen,  but  while  fighting  bravely."  "  Then,"  said  the 
father,  "  I  am  satisfied."  The  true-hearted  patriot  afterwards 
declared  it  was  the  happiest  day  of  his  life,  to  know  that  his 
five  sons  had  fought  nobly  for  freedom,  though  one  had  fallen 
in  the  conflict. 


goyne  send  out  for  provisions  ?  By  whom  was  Banm  met  ?  On  what  day  ?  What 
anecdote  is  told  of  a  minister  who  had  joined  the  army  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle 
Of  Bonnington.  What  was  the  loss  on  each  side  ?  What  spoils  were  taken  by  the 
Americans?  339. 'What  story  is  told  of  a  patriot  who  had  five  sons  at  Benningtou? 


244  BURGOYNE'S  CAMPAIGN.  [1777 

340.  The  defeat  of  St.  Leger  and  Baum  was  a  severe  blow 
to  Burgoyne's  prospects.     It  deterred  the  loyalists  from  join 
ing  his  ranks,  discouraged  him  from  sending  out  other  expe 
ditions,  and  showed  him  that  the  "  rebels"  were  not  as  con 
temptible  as  he  had  supposed.     The  courage  of  the  Ameri 
cans  was  raised  in  proportion.     The  outrages  of  the  Indiana 
excited  universal  abhorrence,  and  fears  for  their  own  safety 
led  many  to  oppose  the  invading  force. 

341.  Three  days  after  the  battle  of  Bennington,  Horatio 
Gates  superseded  General  Schuyler  in  the  command  of  the 
northern  army.    Born  in  England  in  1728,  Gates  had  served 
in  the  French  and  Indian  War,  and  was  wounded  at  Brad- 
dock's  defeat.     Having  taken  up  his  abode  in  Virginia,  he 
early  embraced  the  republican  cause,  and  aided  Washington 
in  the  siege  of  Boston.     The  noble-minded  Schuyler  keenly 
felt  the  injustice  of  Congress  in  depriving  him,  almost  at  the 
moment  of  victory,  of  the  glory  due  to  his  labors ;  yet,  with 
the  devotion  of  a-  true  patriot,  he  gave  Gen.  Gates  all  the  in 
formation  he  possessed,  and  assisted  him  to  the  best  of  his 
ability. 

342.  The  American  army  having  been  increased  by  the 
arrival  of  both  regulars  and  militia,  it  was  resolved  to  move 
sixteen  miles  up  the  river  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy,  and 
arrest  Burgoyne's  progress  at  Bem'-is's  Heights  on  the  west 
bank  of  the  Hudson.     Fortifications  were  erected  there  un 
der  the  superintendence  of  Kosciusko  [kos-se-us'-Jco],  a  Polish 
officer,  now  twenty-one  years  of  age,  who,  on  Dr.  Franklin's 
recommendation,  had  been  commissioned  as  an  engineer  in 
the  American  army.     The  British  commander,  whose  diffi 
culties  increased  as  he  advanced,  moved  slowly  along  the 
bank  of  the  Hudson,  and  at  length  halted  within  two  miles 
of  the  American  camp. 

The  first  battle  of  Stillwater,  or  Bemis's  Heights,  took 
place  on  the  19th  of  September.     The  British  advanced  to 

{340.  What  was  the  effect  of  St  Leger's  and  Baum's  defeat?  341.  What  change  was 
made  in  the  command  of  the  northern  American  army  ?  What  is  said  of  Gates'  pre 
vious  history?  What  was  Schuyler's  course  on  being  superseded?  342.  What  was 
Gates' first  movement?  Who  aided  in  fortifying  Bemis's  Heights?  What  is  said  of 
Kosciusko's  previous  history?  Give  an  account  of  Burgoyne's  movements  mear  while. 


1777] 


FIRST   BATTLE   OF   STILLWATER. 


245 


the  attack  in  three  col 
umns.  Gates,  who  at  first 
seemed  inclined  to  receive 
them  in  his  intrenchments, 
was  finally  persuaded  to 
send  out  Morgan*s  corps 
against  the  Canadians  and 
Indians  on  the  surround 
ing  hills.  The  latter  were 
driven  back  by  an  impetu 
ous-  charge.  Arnold  soon 
engaged  Burgoyne's  ad 
vanced  guard  under  Gen. 
Frazer  in  a  bloody  encoun 
ter,  which,  with  a  slight  in 
termission,  lasted  till  night. 
Officers  who  had  served  in 
Europe  declared  that  they  TOBER  7, 1777. 
had  never  seen  so  hot  a  fire  continued  so  long.  Darkness 
separated  the  combatants,  the  Americans  retiring  to  their 
camp  and  the  enemy  resting  on  their  arms  near  the  field  of 
battle.  The  former  had  the  advantage,  losing  only  319,  in 
killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  while  the  British  loss  amount 
ed  to  over  500.  The  American  marksmen,  ascending  trees, 
had  fired  at  those  who  were  conspicuous  in  the  ranks  of  the 
enemy.  A  shot  thus  aimed  at  Burgoyne  struck  down  an 
officer  by  his  side ;  and  in  the  confusion  it  was  reported  that 
the  British  commander  had  fallen.  The  honor  of  the  day 
belonged  to  Arnold;  but  the  jealous  Gates  not  only  neg 
lected  to  mention  his  services  in  reporting  the  battle,  but 
even  took  from  him  the  command  of  his  division. 

343.  Burgoyne  did  not  immediately  renew  the  conflict, 


When  did  the  first  battle  of  Stillwater  take  place?  [See  Map.— What  stream  ran  be 
tween  the  British  and  the  American  encampment?  On  which  side  of  this  stream  did 
the  two  battles  occur  ?]  What  at  first  seemed  to  be  Gates'  determination  ?  Wlmt  was 
be  at  length  persuaded  to  do?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle.  On  the  approach  of 
Dight,  what  did  the  contending  parties  do?  State  the  loss  on  each  side.  What  was 
done  by  American  marksmen?  What  report  was  spread?  To  whom  did  the  honor 
Of  the  day  belong?  What  acts  of  injustice  were  committed  by  Gates?  843.  Whore 


246  BTJRGOYNE'S  CAMPAIGN.  [1777 

but  encamped  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Hudson  at  Wilbur's 
Basin.  Gates  was  soon  reinforced  by  2,000  New  England 
troops  under  Gen.  Lincoln,  who,  hanging  on  Burgoyne's 
rear,  had  surprised  several  of  his  garrisons,  and  cut  off  his 
line  of  communication.  The  armies  thus  remained  in  sight 
of  each  other  for  more  than  two  weeks,  the  Americans  be 
ing  constantly  strengthened  by  accessions  from  the  neigh 
borhood,  and  the  British  as  constantly  weakened  by  the  de 
fection  of  loyalists  and  Indians.  Frequent  skirmishes  took 
place,  and  Burgoyne's  army  was  kept  in  constant  alarm. 
"Among  the  incidents  worthy  of  relation  was  a  daring-  at 
tempt  on  the  part  of  twenty  young  farmers  to  take  an  ad 
vanced  British  picket.  Moving  noiselessly  to  within  a  few 
yards  of  the  post,  the  leader  suddenly  sounded  an  old  trum 
pet,  and  with  a  tremendous  yell  his  men  rushed  on  the  ene 
my,  who  supposed  that  Gates  and  his  whole  army  were  upon 
them.  "  Ground  your  arms,  or  you  are  dead  men !"  cried 
the  captain,  and  the  frightened  guard  were  not  slow  in  obey 
ing.  When  it  was  too  late  to  resist,  they  found,  to  their 
mortification,  that  they  were  prisoners  to  a  party  inferior  in 
number  to  themselves. 

344.  Burgoyne's  position  was  now  critical  in  the  extreme. 
His  men  were  put  on  short  allowance,  and  even  then  his 
stock  of  provisions  threatened  to  give  out  in  a  few  days.  The 
vigilance  of  the  Americans  prevented  supplies  from  reaching 
him.  Urgent  messages  for  aid  had  been  sent  to  Gen.  Clin 
ton,  at  New  York ;  but  nothing  had  been  heard  from  him 
in  reply.  It  was  clear  that  the  only  hope  for  the  British 
army  was  in  fighting  its  way  through  the  American  ranks. 

On  the  7th  of  October,  the  British  drew  up  in  line  of  bat 
tle.  After  some  skirmishing,  the  Americans  commenced 
the  action  by  charging  the  enemy's  front.  The  British  at 
first  could  not  withstand  their  impetuous  attack,  but  soon 
rallied,  and  in  turn  drove  back  their  assailants.  So  close 


did  Burgjoyno  encamp  ?  By  whom  was  Gates  reinforced  ?  What  had  Lincoln's  men 
been  doing  ?  What  is  said  of  each  army  ?  Relate  the  exploit  of  twenty  young  farmers. 
;*44.  What  is  said  of  Burgroyne's  position  ?  To  whom  had  he  sent  for  aid?  What  was 
the  only  hope  for  the  British  army  ?  When  did  the  second  battlfl  of  Stillwater  take 


1777J  SECOND    BATTLE   OF   STILLWATER. 

was  the  struggle  that  a  single  cannon  was  five  times  taken 
and  retaken  by  the  contending  parties.  At  length  the  pa 
triots  succeeded  in  retaining  it ;  and  Colonel  Cilley  [sil'-le], 
after  having  leaped  upon  it  and  dedicated  it  to  the  Ameri 
can  cause,  wheeled  it  round  upon  the  enemy  and  fired  on 
them  with  their  own  ammunition.  Not  till  their  best  officers 
had  fallen,  were  the  British  finally  driven  back. 

Meanwhile  Gen.  Frazer's  division  had  fallen  on  the  Amer 
ican  flank.  They  were  repelled  by  Morgan's  corps,  which 
then  furiously  charged  the  British  right.  At  this  point,  Ar 
nold,  who  had  been  unjustly  deprived  of  his  command,  and 
was  impatiently  wratching  the  progress  of  the  battle,  could 
restrain  himself  no  longer.  Hastily  mounting  his  large  brown 
horse,  he  spurred  towards  the  hottest  of  the  fight.  Gates, 
fearing  that  he  would  gain  fresh  laurels,  sent  Major  Arm 
strong  after  him  with  orders  to  return.  But  Arnold  was 
already  out  of  reach.  He  was  received  with  shouts  of  ex 
ultation  by  the  men  whom  he  had  before  led  to  victory. 
With  a  desperation  akin  to  madness,  he  charged  Frazer's  bri 
gade,  now  rallying  under  its  intrepid  commander.  Perceiv 
ing  that  Frazer  was  the  soul  of  the  British  army,  Morgan 
directed  several  of  his  riflemen  to  make  him  the  special  ob 
ject  of  their  aim.  A  ball  soon  struck  the  general's  saddle  ; 
another  wounded  his  horse  in  the  neck.  Despite  these  warn 
ings,  he  refused  to  retire,  and  in  a  few  moments  fell,  mortal 
ly  wounded.  „ 

Frazer's  fall  decided  the  battle.  Burgoyne  in  vain  tried 
to  rally  his  men.  Driven  from  their  intrenchments  by  Ar 
nold's  impetuous  attack,  they  left  the  Germans  at  their  side 
unsupported.  The  latter  gave  one  volley  and  fled.  Arnold 
received  a  ball  in  the  same  leg  which  had  been  mangled  at 
Quebec,  and  was  here  at  last  overtaken  by  Major  Armstrong, 
with  Gates'  order  to  return.  He  did  return,  but  not  till  he 
had  achieved  a  glorious  victory,  with  little  aid  from  Gates, 

place?  Give  an  account  of  the  engagement  in  front  Describe  Frazer's  movements. 
What  was  done  by  Arnold  ?  Give  an  account  of  Frazer's  fall.  What  effect  had  Frazer's 
fall  on  the  fate  of  the  battle  ?  Describe  Arnold's  attack  on  the  British  intrenchments. 
What  was  the  result?  What  befell  Arnold  ?  What  did  each  party  do  on  the  approach 


24:8  BTJRGOYNE'S  SURRENDER.  [1777 

who  had  kept  himself  all  day  in  the  camp.  Night  set  in,  and 
the  contest  ceased.  The  Americans  kept  possession  of  the 
field,  and  Burgoyne  fell  back,  with  the  intention  of  retreating 
by  way  of  Fort  Edward.  In  this  second  battle  of  Stillwater, 
he  lost  700  men;  the  Americans,  about  150. 

345.  Burgoyne  soon  found  that  retreat  was  impossible. 
He  was  hemmed  in  on  all  sides ;  provisions  were  failing  him ; 
and  there  was  no  prospect  of  assistance  from  New  York. 
A  council  of  war  held  October  13th  decided  to  capitulate. 
While  the  officers  were  deliberating,  grape-shot  swept  across 
the  table  at  which  they  were  seated.  On  the  16th,  the  terms 
were  settled.  The  wrhole  British  army,  consisting  of  5,791 
men,  surrendered,  with  their  arms  and  baggage,  42  cannon, 
and  a  large  quantity  of  ammunition.  The  news  of  this  bril 
liant  victory  awakened  fresh  hope  and  courage  in  every 
patriot  breast. 


CHAPTER   XII. 

MOVEMENTS    OF   HOWE   AND   WASHINGTON  IN    1777. 

346.  WHILE  the  advantages  just  described  were  being 
gained  in  the  north,  Washington  was  endeavoring  to  preserve 
his  army  from  the  superior  force  of  Howe.  Having  received 
some  reinforcements,  the  American  commander,  in  the  latter 
part  of  May,  moved  from  Morristown  to  Middlebrook,  N.  J. 
Howe,  after  vainly  trying  to  bring  him  to  an  engagement, 
proceeded  to  Staten  Island  and  thence  put  to  sea  with  about 
18,000  men,  leaving  a  strong  force  under  Clinton  to  defend 
New  York.  After  remaining  at  sea  over  a  month,  he  en 
tered  Chesapeake  Bay,  and  landed  at  a  point  on  the  Elk  River 
about  50  miles  from  Philadelphia,  on  which  city  he  intended 
to  make  a  descent. 

of  night  ?  What  was  the  loss  on  each  side  ?  345.  What  was  now  Burgoyne's  cordition  ? 
On  the  13th  of  October,  what  was  decided  on  ?  When  were  the  terms  settled  ?  What 
v,ere  surrendered  to  the  Americans?  What  was  the  effect  of  this  victory  on  the  pa 
triot  cause  ? 

846.  While  these  events  were  transpiring  in  the  north,  what  was  Washington  doing? 
What  movement  was  finally  made  by  Howe?    How  long  did  the  British  remain  at  sea  ? 


1777] 


BATTLE   OF   BKANDYWINE. 


249 


PHILADELPHIA 

AND 

THE    V I C I  N I  T.Y 


Washington  had 
penetrated  his  de 
sign,  and  was  al 
ready  on  the  march 
with  14,000  men — 
of  whom,  however, 
only  8,000  were  fit 
for  service.  Un 
willing  as  he  was 
to  hazard  a  gener 
al  engagement,  he 
could  not  allow 
Philadelphia  to  fall 
into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy  without 
striking  a  blow  in 
its  defence.  The 
British  slowly  approached,  and  on  the  llth  of  September 
reached  Chad's  Ford  on  Brandywine  Creek,  where  the 
Americans  lay  encamped.  One  division  under  Cornwallis 
took  a  circuitous  route,  crossed  the  creek  higher  up  without 
opposition,  and  fell  on  the  American  right  which  had  been 
sent  to  oppose  them.  In  vain  Sullivan,  La  Fayette,  and 
Stirling  endeavored  to  stem  the  tide.  La  Fayette  was 
wounded  and  narrowly  escaped  capture.  The  timely  arrival 
of  Greene's  division  (which  made  a  memorable  march  of  four 
miles  in  forty-two  minutes)  saved  this  part  of  the  American 
army  from  entire  destruction.  Wayne,  who  opposed  the 
British  in  front,  was  also  driven  back.  The  battle  of  Bran- 
dy  wine  thus  resulted  hi  a  total  defeat  of  the  Americans,  with 
a  loss  of  300  killed,  600  wounded,  and  nearly  400  prisoners. 
The  British  loss  was  about  90  killed,  and  500  wounded  and 
missing. 

Among  those  who  did  good  service  at  Brandywine  was 

Where  did  they  land  ?  What  city  was  threatened  ?  What  course  did  Washington  take  ? 
When  did  the  hostile  armies  rneet  ?  Where  ?  [See  Map. — Into  what  does  Brandy  wino 
Creek  empty  ?  Mention  some  other  creeks  that  run  nearly  parallel  with  it  Between 
what  two  rivers  is  Philadelphia?]  Give  an  account  of  Cornwallis's  attack  on  the  Amer 
ican  right  What  was  the  result  in  front  of  the  line?  State  the  loss  on  each  bida  Who 

11* 


250  MOVEMENTS    OF   HOWE   AND   WASHINGTON.         [l777 

Count  Pulaski  [pu-las1 '-&e],  a  Polish  noble,  who  had  tried  to 
liberate  his  country  from  the  Russian  yoke.  Failing  in  the 
attempt,  he  had  sought  a  new  field  on  which  to  battle  for 
freedom.  For  his  gallantry  in  this  action  Congress  made 
him  a  brigadier-general. 

347.  His  defeat  at  Brandywine,  did  not  prevent  Washing 
ton  from  resolving  on  another  battle ;  but  a  violent  and  pro 
tracted  storm  so  injured  his  arms  and  ammunition  that  he 
was  obliged  to  give  up  the  idea  and  retreat.     Slowly  and 
wearily  his  men  toiled  over  the  miry  roads,  many  of  them 
having  no  shoes  to  protect  their  feet.     A  movement  on  the 
part  of  the  British,  which  threatened  Reading  [red' -ding], 
where  the  American  stores  were  deposited,  forced  Washing 
ton  to  take  a  new  position  and  leave  the  road  to  Philadelphia 
open  to  the  enemy.     Gen.  Wayne  was  stationed  with  1,500 
men  to  check  their  advance,  but  he  was  surprised  by  a  mid 
night  attack  and  driven  back  with  the  loss  of  nearly  300  men. 
Philadelphia  was  thus  left  at  the  mercy  of  the  British,  and  on 
the  26th  they  entered  the  city  in  triumph.     Eight  days  be 
fore,  Congress  had  adjourned  to  meet  at  Lancaster.     They 
soon  after  removed  to  York,  where  they  continued  to  hold 
their  sessions  till  the  recovery  of  Philadelphia  the  following 
year. 

The  British  were  now  in  pleasant  quarters ;  but  otherwise 
they  gained  little  by  the  capture  of  Philadelphia.  The  coun 
try  was  still  unsubdued,  and,  as  long  as  Howe  was  stationary, 
was  likely  so  to  remain.  Franklin  in  his  usual  witty  way  re 
marked,  that  instead  of  Howe's  having  taken  Philadelphia, 
Philadelphia  had  taken  Howe. 

348.  In  the  mean  time,  Washington  was  not  idle.    Having 
received  a  reinforcement  of  2,500  men,  on  the  4th  of  October 
he  surprised  the  British  troops  stationed  at  Germantown,  six 
miles  from  Philadelphia  [see  Map,  p.  249].    The  Americans  at 

IB  mentioned  as  having  done  good  service  at  Brandywine  ?  What  was  Pulaski's  previous 
history  ?  How  was  he  rewarded  ?  347.  Notwithstanding  his  defeat,  on  what  did  Wash 
ington  resolve?  What  prevented  another  engagement?  What  obliged  Washington  to 
leave  the  road  to  Philadelphia  open?  What  befell  Wayne?  When  did  Howe  enter 
Philadelphia?  Whore  had  Congress  removed?  What  did  the  British  gain  by  taking 
Philadelphia?  Repeat  Franklin's  remark.  848.  What  was  done  by  Washington  on  tho 


1777J    HOWE   OBTAINS   COMMAND    OF   THE   DELAWARE.      251 

first  gained  important  advantages,  and  would  have  achieved 
a  victory  had  not  some  of  the  militia  failed  to  perform  the 
part  assigned  them.  A  thick  fog  arose ;  the  British  rallied, 
and  finally  repelled  the  assault.  The  American  loss  was  es 
timated  at  1,000  men,  including  Gen.  Nash,  of  North  Caro 
lina  ;  that  of  the  British  was  not  far  from  600.  Shortly  after 
this  repulse,  Washington  retired  with  his  army  to  White 
Marsh,  14  miles  from  Philadelphia  [see  Map,  p.  249].  The 
sufferings  of  his  men  increased  with  the  coldness  of  the 
weather. 

349.  The  navigation  of  the  Delaware  was  still  in  the  hands 
of  the  patriots.  Several  miles  below  Philadelphia,  Fort  Mif- 
flin,  on  Mud  Island  [see  Map],  commanded  the  channel ; 
and  opposite  to  it,  on  the  Jersey  shore,  was  a  strong  fort  at 
Red  Bank.  Heavy  timbers  armed  with  iron  bars  pointing 
down  the  river  had  been  sunk  near  Fort  Mifflin,  to  prevent 
the  passage  of  vessels.  To  open  communication  between  his 
army  and  fleet,  it  was  necessary  for  Howe  to  destroy  these 
defences.  Batteries  were  erected  on  the  Pennsylvania  shore 
opposite  Mud  Island,  and  a  party  was  sent  down  on  the  Jer 
sey  side  to  storm  the  works  at  Red  Bank.  They  entered 
the  fort  without  opposition,  and  supposed  that  it  was  theirs, 
but  were  soon  apprised  of  their  mistake  by  a  well-directed  • 
fire,  which  mortally  wounded  their  leader  and  disabled  400 
of  his  men.  The  American  commandant,  unable  to  defend 
the  whole  of  the  extensive  works,  had  abandoned  part  of 
them,  and  with  this  warm  reception  repulsed  the  enemy. 
The  attack  on  Fort  Mifflin  was  at  first  equally  unsuccessful. 
Two  British  vessels  ran  aground,  one  of  which  was  aban 
doned  by  its  crew,  while  the  other  was  set  on  fire  by  the 
Americans.  At  length,  however,  the  enemy  reached  such  a 
position  that  both  garrisons  were  obliged  to  retire  and  relin 
quish  to  them  the  command  of  the  river. 

4th  of  October  ?  [See  Map,  p.  249.— In  what  direction  is  Germantown  from  Philadel 
phia?  Near  what  stream  is  it  ?]  Give  an  account  of  the  battle  of  German  town.  State 
the  loss  on  each  side.  To  what  place  did  Washington  then  retire?  [Near  what  stream 
is  White  Marsh?  What  hill  near  it?]  349.  Which  party  held  possession  Of  the  Dela 
ware?  What  works  gave  the  Americans  possession  of  the  river?  What  hostile  move 
ments  against  these  works  were  made  by  Howe?  Give  an  account  of  the  attack  at  Rod 


252  MOVEMENTS   OF   HOWE    AND   WASHINGTON.         [l777 

350.  The  joyful  news  of  Burgoyne's  surrender,  received 
about  this  time,  served  to  relieve  the  depression  occasioned 
by  Washington's  reverses.     It  roused  Howe  to  additional 
exertion.     At  midnight,  December  2d,  1777,  he  held  a  coun 
cil  of  war  at  a  house  occupied  by  a  Quaker  named  Darrah. 
Mrs.  Darrah,  who  was  a  true  friend  of  her  country,  suspected 
that  something  important  was  going  on  ;  and,  silently  rising 
after  retiring  to  bed,  she  overheard  an  order  for  the  British 
troops  to  start  the  following  night  for  the  purpose  of  surpri 
sing  Washington  at  White  Marsh.     Returning  to  her  room, 
she  feigned  sleep,  but  spent  the  rest  of  the  night  in  medita 
ting  how  she  could  save  her  countrymen.     Not  daring  to 
trust  any  one  with  her  secret,  she  obtained  a  permit  to  pass 
the  British  lines,  on  pretence  of  having  to  go  to  mill  for  a 
bag  of  flour.     The  ground  was  covered  with  snow,  but  she 
heeded  it  not,  and  hastening  on  met  an  American  officer  to 
whom  she  delivered  the  important  information.     The  next 
night  she  observed  the  British  marching  forth  on  their  expe 
dition.     They  silently  approached  the  camp  of  Washington, 
but  to  their  astonishment  found  the  whole  American  army 
drawn  up  in  readiness  to  receive  them.     For  three  days 
Howe  remained  in  the  neighborhood,  but  Washington  would 
not  leave  his  intrenchments  to  give  him  battle.     On  Howe's 
return  to  Philadelphia,  Mrs.  Darrah  was  closely  examined, 
as  to  whether  any  member  of  her  family  had  been  awake  on 
the  night  in  question,  but  nothing  was  discovered. 

351.  The  weather  now  rendered  it  necessary  for  Washing 
ton  to  withdraw  his  army  from  the  field  to  permanent  winter- 
quarters.     These  he  fixed  at  Valley  Forge,  on  the  southwest 
side  of  the  Schuylkill  [skooV -kilt]^  22  miles  from  Philadelphia. 
A  march  of  eight  days,  over  frozen  ground  on  which  they 
left  the  marks  of  their  bleeding  feet,  brought  his  men  to  the 
spot.     Most  of  the  neighboring  inhabitants  were  Tories,  and 
as  the  British  bought  their  produce  at  high  prices  and  paid 

Bank.  Of  that  on  Fort  Mifflin.  350.  What  joyful  news  was  now  received  ?  How  did 
it  act  on  Howe  ?  Tell  the  story  about  Mrs.  Darrah.  351.  What  did  the  weather  now 
oblige  Washington  to  do  ?  What  place  did  he  select  for  bis  winter-quarters  ?  [See  Map, 
p.  249.— How  is  Valley  Forge  situated  ?  In  what  direction  is  it  from  White  Marsh  ? 
What  place  south  of  it  ?]  How  long  were  the  army  in  reaching  it  ?  What  is  said  of  the 


1777J  VALLEY  FORGE.  253 

for  it  in  gold  and  silver,  it  was  almost  impossible  for  Wash 
ington  to  procure  provisions  in  exchange  for  the  paper  money 
of  Congress.  He  was  authorized  to  seize  on  what  he  needed 
wherever  it  could  be  found  within  seventy  miles  of  the  camp', 
but  many  of  the  farmers  concealed  their  grain  and  even 
resisted  the  American  foraging  parties.  Meanwhile  the 
British,  19,500  strong,  were  revelling  in  comfort  and  plenty 
at  Philadelphia.  This  was  the  dark  hour  of  the  American 
Revolution. 


CHAPTER   XIII. 

THE   AMERICAN    ARMY    AT   VALLEY    FOKGE. 

352.  THE  deplorable  situation  of  the  American  army  at 
Valley  Forge,  during  the  dreary  winter  of  1777-78,  can 
hardly  be  imagined.  Four  thousand  men  were  unable  to 


neighboring  inhabitants?    "What  difficulty  trou Wed  Washington  ?     What  was  the  con 
dition  of  the  British  army  at  this  time  ? 


254  THE    AMERICAN    ARMY    AT    VALLEY    FORGE.        [l778 

move  out  of  their  huts  for  want  of  clothing.  A  whole  pair 
of  shoes  was  hardly  known  in  the  camp.  Exposure  and  the 
want  of  proper  food  brought  on  putrid  fevers  and  other  fatal 
disorders.  The  officers  fared  but  little  better  than  their 
men.  The  paper  money  issued  by  Congress  had  depreciated 
so  much  that  the  pay  of  a  general  was  hardly  sufficient  to 
keep  him  in  clothes. 

This  lamentable  state  of  things  filled  the  breast  of  Wash 
ington  with  inexpressible  anguish,  which  was  increased  by 
the  injustice  of  some  of  his  countrymen.  The  Pennsylvania 
Legislature  censured  him  for  withdrawing  his  troops  to  win 
ter-quarters.  Congress  wavered  in  its  confidence,  and  hi 
appointing  a  new  board  of  war  gave  a  prominent  place  to 
Gates,  Conway,  Mifflin,  and  others,  known  to  be  hostile  to  the 
commander.  Some  even  demanded  that  he  should  be  super 
seded  by  Gates  or  Lee.  Washington  bore  these  unjust  com 
plaints  with  patience,  knowing  that  time  would  place  things 
in  their  true  light.  He  was  not  wrong.  The  proposition  to 
remove  him  was  met  with  indignant  remonstrances  from  all 
parts  of  the  country ;  and  Congress,  finally  convinced  that 
the  blame  rested  with  themselves  for  not  making  suitable 
provisions,  took  measures  for  the  proper  equipment  of  an 
efficient  army. 

353.  Unbounded  joy  was  soon  diffused  through  America 
by  the  news  that  France  had  at  length  (February  6,  1778) 
recognized  the  independence  of  the  United  States,  and  en 
tered  into  a  treaty  of  alliance  with  its  commissioners.  This 
was  brought  about  by  the  unremitting  labors  of  Franklin. 
A  general  favorite  at  the  French  court,  he  had  embraced 
every  opportunity  of  proving  to  the  king  and  ministry  the 
certainty  of  his  country's  ultimate  triumph  in  the  struggle 
with  England.  Burgoyne's  surrender  furnished  him  with 
an  irresistible  argument,  and  the  long  desired  treaty  was 
obtained. 

852.  Describe  the  situation  of  the  Americans,  both  men  and  officers,  at  Valley  Forge. 
What  other  cause  of  grief  had  Washington  ?  How  were  the  unjust  complaints  against 
the  commander  received  ?  What  did  Congress  finally  decide  to  do?  363.  What  joyful 
news  reached  America  in  the  spring  of  1778?  By  whom  aud  hu\v  \vcro  the  French  in- 


1778] 


ARRIVAL   OF    BARON    STEUBEN. 


255 


FRANKLIN  PLEADING  TIIK 

OAIT8K  OF  AMERICA    BE- 
tOKK  THE  FRENCH  COUUT. 


354.  The  arrival  of  Baron  Steuben  threw  another  ray  of 
light  on  the  gloom  which  overshadowed  the  patriot  army  at 
Valley  Forge.      Steuben  had  served  as   aid-de-camp   and 
lieutenant-general  under  Frederick  the  Great,  king  of  Prus 
sia.     Congress  gladly  accepted  his  services,  and  found  them 
of  immense  value  in  organizing  and  disciplining  the  army. 
In  May,  1778,  at  Washington's  request,  he  was  ap'pointed 
inspector-general,  and  the  results   of  his   experience  were 
soon  apparent. 

355.  Washington  attempted  little  during  his  melancholy 
sojourn  at  Valley  Forge.    Towards  the  close  of  spring,  1778, 
La  Fayette  was  sent  with  2,100  men  to  Barren  Hill,  on  the 
Schuylkill,  twelve  miles  from  Valley  Forge,  to  keep  the 
foraging  parties  of  the  enemy  in  check,  and  to  be  ready  for 
action  in  case  of  any  decided  movement.     With  the  conni 
vance  of  a  tory,  at  whose  house  the  marquis  lodged,  Howe 
forthwith  laid  a  plan  to  cut  off  the  detachment.      Fortu- 

duced  to  make  this  alliance?  854.  What  important  addition  did  the  army  at  Valley 
Forge  receive ?  What  is  said  of  Baron  Steuben?  To  what  office  was  he  appointed? 
865.  Give  an  account  of  La  Fayette's  escape  at  Barren  Hill.  What  is  said  of  Washing- 


256          THE   AMERICAN    ARMY    AT   VALLEY   FORGE.          [l778 

nately  La  Fayette  discovered  the  scheme  in  time  to  defeat 
it  by  a  skilful  retreat.  Washington,  who  had  observed 
through  a  spy-glass  the  threatening  movements  of  the  ene 
my,  could  hardly  restrain  his  joy  when  his  beloved  brother- 
in-arms  reached  the  camp  in  safety. 

356.  The  British  ministry  began  to  perceive,  that,  though 
victories  had  been  gained,  little  was  really  done  towards  re 
ducing  America,  and  the  alliance  with  France  rendered  their 
prospects  for  the  future  still  worse.     Accordingly  commis 
sioners  were  sent  over  with  liberal  proposals,  which  would 
have  been  accepted  before  the  war  commenced,  but  which 
now  came  too  late.     Bribery  was  freely  tried,  but  in  vain. 
Among  those  whom  the  commissioners  ventured  to  approach 
in  this  way  was  Gen.  Reed,  of  Pennsylvania.     Ten  thousand 
guineas  and  a  profitable  post  were  offered  him,  if  he  would 
use  his  influence  to  bring  about  a  reconciliation.     "  I  am  not 
worth  purchasing,"  was  the  reply  of  the  honest  patriot; 
"  but,  such  as  I  am,  the  king  of  Great  Britain  is  not  rich 
enough  to  buy  me." 

357.  In  March,  1778,  the  country  received  a  severe  blow 
in  the  loss  of  Captain  Nicholas  Biddle,  one  of  its  ablest  na 
val  officers.     After  capturing  a  number  of  prizes  in  the  U.  S. 
frigate  Randolph,  he  encountered  the  Yarmouth  \yar'-mutli\, 
a  British  ship  of  64  guns,  and  in  the  midst  of  the  engage 
ment  his  vessel  blew  up.     Captain  Biddle  and  all  his  men, 
except  four  who  were  picked  up  by  the  enemy,  instantly 
perished. 

ton's  solicitude  on  this  occasion  ?  856.  What  was  now  evident  to  the  British  ministry? 
What  course  did  they  therefore  pursue  ?  Give  an  account  of  their  attempts  at  nego 
tiation.  What  passed  between  them  aud  Gen.  Reed  ?  What  severe  blow  did  tho  coun 
try  receive  in  March,  177S? 


1778]  BATTLE   OF   MONMOUTH.  257 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

CAMPAIGN    OF    1778. MONMOUTH. NEWPORT. — SAVANNAH. 

WYOMING. 


ON  the  24th  of  May,  1778,  Gen.  Howe,  who  had  re 
quested  the  home  government  to  recall  him,  left  Philadel 
phia,  after  a  splendid  tournament  given  by  his  officers  in  his 
honor.  About  a  month  afterwards,  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  on 
whom  the  chief  command  now  devolved,  evacuated  the  city 
with  the  whole  British  army.  Washington  followed  the 
enemy  across  New  Jersey.  Contrary  to  the  advice  of  some 
of  his  officers,  he  resolved  on  a  general  engagement ;  and, 
on  the  28th  of  June,  when  the  British  were  about  leav 
ing  Monmouth  \rnori -mutli\,  they  found  the  Americana 
drawn  up  for  battle.  The  attack  was  conducted  by  Lee, 
who  had  been  released  by  the  British  in  exchange  for  Gen. 
Prescott.  After  a  series  of  mistakes,  Lee,  without  any  ap 
parent  reason,  began  to  fall  back.  The  retreat  soon  turned 
"into  a  flight.  The  Americans  were  hurrying  over  a  morass, 
sinking  in  the  mire,  and  falling  before  their  pursuers,  when 
they  were  met  by  Washington  at  the  head  of  the  rear  Hue. 
Angrily  rebuking  Lee,  the  American  commander  arrested 
the  flight  of  his  broken  regiments,  and  led  them  back  against 
the  enemy. 

The  British  were  stopped  in  their  successful  career.  Lee 
fought  throughout  the  rest  of  the  action  with  desperate  cour 
age,  and  many  deeds  of  valor  were  performed  on  both  sides. 
The  gallant  conduct  of  Mary  Pitcher,  the  wife  of  an  American 
artillery-man,  must  not  be  forgotten.  While  bringing  water 
to  her  husband  from  a  spring,  she  saw  him  fall,  and  heard 
an  order  given  for  withdrawing  his  gun,  as  there  was  no  one 
to  manage  it.  The  heroic  woman  immediately  took  he*1 

858.  In  May,  1778,  who  assumed  command  of  the  British  army?  How  did  Howe's 
officers  testify  their  respect?  What  was  Clinton's  first  movement?  What  was  Wash 
ington's  course  ?  Where  did  an  engagement  take  place?  By  what  American  generals 
was  the  attack  conducted?  How  had  Lee  obtained  his  freedom?  Tell  how  Wash 
ington  turned  the  fate  of  the  battle.  Tell  the  story  of  Molly  Pitcher.  Who  remained 


258  CAMPAIGN    OF    1778.  [1778 

husband's  place,  and  discharged  his  duty  in  a  way  that  elicit 
ed  the  warmest  admiration.  Washington  afterwards  ap 
pointed  her  a  sergeant  in  the  army,  and  she  was  well  known 
by  both  French  and  Americans,  who  honored  her  with  the 
appellation  of  "  Captain  Molly". 

After  a  severe  contest,  in  which  now  one  party  and  now 
the  other  had  the  advantage,  the  Americans  remained  mas 
ters  of  the  field.  They  passed  the  night  on  it  with  the  in 
tention  of  renewing  the  battle  in  the  morning,  Washington 
resting  among  his  men  with  no  other  bed  than  his  cloak ; 
but  Clinton  silently  departed  three  hours  before  dawn.  The 
total  loss  of  the  British  was  about  500,  59  of  whom  fell  from 
the  excessive  heat ;  that  of  the  Americans  was  229.  Clin 
ton's  army  proceeded  to  Sandy  Hook,  and  was  thence  con 
veyed  by  the  fleet  to  New  York.  Washington  crossed  the 
Hudson,  and  fixed  his  quarters  at  White  Plains. 

Offended  by  the  rebuke  he  had  received,  Lee,  the  day 
after  the  battle,  sent  an  insulting  letter  to  Washington.  The 
latter  had  him  arrested  for  disobeying  orders,  and  disgrace 
fully  retreating.  A  court-martial,  of  which  Lord  Stirling 
was  president,  found  him  guilty,  and  suspended  him  from* 
his  command  for  a  year.  His  interest  in  the  cause  of  lib 
erty  was  thus  abated,  and  he  never  rejoined  the  army. 

359.  In  July  [17T8],  a  French  fleet,  conveying  a  strong 
land  force,  under  Count  D'Estaing  \des-td-ang'\  arrived  oft 
the  coast  of  Virginia.  Measures  were  concerted  for  besieg 
ing  the  British  at  Newport,  R.  I.,  and  D'Estaing  entered 
the  harbor  early  in  August.  Before  operations  had  fairly 
commenced,  Admiral  Byron  approached  Newport  with  a 
British  fleet.  D'Estaing  sailed  forth  to  meet  the  enemy,  but 
a  terrific  storm  separated  the  combatants.  Byron  made  for 
New  York,  and  the  French  returned  to  Newport.  Mean 
while  Sullivan,  who  commanded  on  the  part  of  the  Ameri- 

inastere  of  the  field?  How  did  the  Americans  pass  the  night?  How,  Washington? 
How  did  Clinton  avoid  continuing  the  engagement  ?  State  the  loss  on  each  side.  Where 
did  Clinton  go  ?  Where  did  Washington  fix  his  quarters  ?  What  is  said  of  Lee's  sub 
sequent  history?  359.  What  took  place  in  July,  1778?  What  place  was  it  decided  to 
attack?  Before  operations  commenced,  what  induced  the  French  to  leave  the  harbor? 
What  separated  the  combatants  ?  Where  did  the  fleets  go  ?  Describe  "  the  great 


1778]  DESCENT   UPON    WYOMING.  259 

cans,  had  begun  the  siege.  The  tempest  which  had  separ 
ated  the  fleets,  swept  the  shore  in  all  its  fury.  It  is  still 
remembered  in  Rhode  Island  as  "  the  great  storm".  Tents 
were  blown  down,  stores  destroyed,  and  the  works  damaged. 
On  the  return  of  the  French  fleet,  Sullivan  recommenced 
operations  ;  but  his  hopes  were  soon  blasted  by  an  announce- 
ment  from  D'Estaing  that  he  was  going  to  Boston  to  refit 
his  vessels.  The  remonstrances  of  La  Fayette  and  Greene 
were  ineffectual ;  and  Sullivan,  thus  deserted,  was  compelled 
to  raise  the  siege.  On  the  29th  of  August,  he  repelled  with 
intrepidity  an  attack  of  the  British ;  but,  finding  himself  in 
danger  of  being  cut  off,  he  effected  a  masterly  retreat  by 
night,  without  the  knowledge  of  the  enemy.  The  close  of 
the  eastern  campaign  thus  left  both  parties  in  the  same  con 
dition  in  which  they  were  at  its  beginning. 
Sw360.  The  frontier  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  since 
the  dispersion  of  the  Indians  at  Fort  Schuyler,  had  been 
comparatively  secure  from  their  depredations;  but  in  1778, 
it  was  again  ravaged.  At  the  solicitation  of  British  agents, 
a  body  of  Iroquois  joined  a  band  of  tories  under  Col.  John 
Butler,  and  advanced  towards  Wy-o'-ming.  This  settlement 
lay  in  the  beautiful  valley  of  the  Susquehannah.  It  contained 
a  population  of  several  thousand,  but  had  contributed  so 
largely  to  the  patriot  army  that  few  able-bodied  men  were 
left  for  its  defence.  As  the  ruthless  invaders  approached, 
fearful  accounts  of  their  barbarity  were  received.  The  wo 
men  and  children  flocked  from  the  surrounding  region  to  a 
fort  near  the  present  site  of  Wilkesbarre  [wilks1 '-bar-re],  and 
300  men  with  a  few  boys,  under  Zebulon  Butler  (no  relation 
of  the  British  colonel's),  advanced  to  meet  the  enemy. 

The  Americans  fought  bravely,  and  even  gained  ground, 
till  one  of  their  officers,  wishing  to  take  a  more  favorable 
position  in  the  rear,  bade  his  men  "  fall  back".  The  order 

storm".  How  wore  Gen.  Sullivan's  hopes  blasted  ?  Who  remonstrated  with  D'Estaing, 
but  in  vain?  What  was  Sullivan  compelled  to  do?  Give  an  account  of  his  subsequent 
movements.  What  was  the  position  of  both  parties  at  the  close  of  the  eastern  cam 
paign  ?  360.  By  whom  was  the  frontier  ravaged  in  the  summer  of  1778  ?  Towards 
what  settlement  did  they  advance  ?  Where  was  Wyoming  situated  ?  How  had  it  been 
teft  defenceless  ?  On  the  approach  of  the  invaders,  what  did  the  inhabitants  do  ?  Who 


260  CAMPAIGN    OF    1778.  [l778 

was  misunderstood,  and  the  unfortunate  word  "  retreat"  waa 
passed  along  the  lines.  Panic  seized  the  soldiers,  and  a  gen 
eral  flight  ensued.  Many  were  shot  and  tomahawked  as 
they  ran ;  some  threw  themselves  into  the  river  ;  a  few  es 
caped  to  the  fort,  where  the  helpless  women  were  screaming 
with  terror.  That  night  the  Indians  held  possession  of  the 
battle-field,  and  tortured  their  prisoners  with  all  the  cruel 
ties  that  savage  cunning  could  invent.  Captain  Bidlack  was 
thrown  alive  on  burning-coals,  and  kept  there  with  pitch 
forks  till  he  expired.  Six  prisoners  were  ranged  near  a  stone 
on  the  river  bank,  and  held  by  savages,  while  Queen  Esther, 
an  old  Seneca  half-breed,  walked  round  them  in  a  circle, 
singing  the  death-song  like  an  infuriated  demon,  and  striking 
them  with  her  club  and  hatchet  till  every  man  was  killed. 
The  stone  is  still  called  Queen  Esther's  rock. 

The  next  day  the  fort  was  invested.  It  was  surrendered 
to  the  British  leader  on  his  promise  to  protect  its  defenceless 
occupants ;  but  no  sooner  were  the  savages  admitted  than 
they  glutted  their  thirst  for  blood  by  tomahawking  and 
scalping  all  whom  they  met.  The  unfortunate  people  of 
Wyoming  were  compelled  to.  flee  from  their  once  happy  val 
ley  to  distant  and  securer  settlements.  Few  survived  the 
horrors  of  the  flight.  Some  escaped  the  Red  Man's  knife, 
only  to  find  a  slower  death  from  exposure  and  fatigue. 
Others,  dragging  their  weary  limbs  they  knew  not  whither, 
lost  their  way  on  the  mountains  or  hid  in  caverns  till  star 
vation  ended  their  sufferings.  Distracted  mothers  hurried 
their  children  through  the  wilderness,  and,  when  their  little 
ones  fainted  on  the  way  and  died,  folded  the  lifeless  bodies 
to  their  hearts,  and  bore  them  many  a  toilsome  mile  to 
save  them  from  the  hungry  wolves.  Lovely  Wyoming  was 
desolate. 

These  frightful  scenes  were  reenacted  in  November,  in 
Cherry  Valley,  1ST.  Y.  Brant,  a  noted  Mohawk,  in  conjunc- 

advanced  to  meet  the  enemy  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle.  How  did  the  Indians 
spend  the  ensuing  night?  Give  some  instances  of  their  barbarity.  What  was  done  the 
next  day?  On  what  promise,  did  the  fort  surrender?  How  was  thus  promise  kept? 
Gi  ve  an  account  of  the  massacre  of  Wyoming  and  the  flight  of  the  inhabitants.  Give  au 


1778]  THE   BRITISH    CAPTURE   SAVANNAH.  261 

tion  with  a  band  of  tories,  suddenly  fell  upon  the  settlement, 
and  killed  or  carried  off  most  of  its  inhabitants.  The  country 
around  was  ravaged  for  miles,  and  the  tories  vied  with  their 
savage  allies  in  cold-blooded  ferocity  towards  their  unfortu 
nate  victims. 

361.  In  November,  1778,  Clinton  determined  to  change 
the  scene  of  his  operations  to  the  south,  and  dispatched  2,000 
men  under  Lieutenant-colonel  Campbell  [cam'-el]  and  a  fleet 
under  Admiral  Hyde  Parker  against  Savannah.     The  city 
was  held  by  Gen.  Robert  Howe,  with  900  men,  who,  though 
ill  prepared  for  battle,  made  a  brave  resistance.    The  appear 
ance  on  their 'rear  of  a  body  of  New  York  tories,  guided  by 
a  negro,  obliged  them  to  retreat ;  and  during  this  movement 
100  men  fell  and  453  were  taken.     Admiral  Parker  crowded 
the  latter,  with  others  who  refused  to  join  the  royal  army, 
on  board  of  prison-ships ;  many  of  them  perished  and  became 
the  food  of  crows  and  buzzards.     The  whole  of  Eastern 
Georgia  was  speedily  subdued. 

362.  About  the  time  of  the  massacre  at  Wyoming  an  ex 
pedition  was  undertaken  against  the  western  tribes  by  Gen. 
Clarke,  of  Virginia.     Having  seized  Kaskaskia,  he  induced 
the  Indians  to  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  Virginia,  and  the 
county  of  Illinois  was  organized  as  part  of  that  state.     The 
British  governor  of  Detroit,  hearing  of  this,  invaded  the 
country  hi  December,  1778.     Appearing  before  the  Ameri 
can  post  at  Vincennes,  he  demanded  its  surrender.     Captain 
Helm,  who  commanded  the  station,  holding  a  smoking  match 
over  his  single  cannon,  demanded  that  the  garrison  should 
have  the  most  favorable  terms.     The  British  commander  as 
sented,  but  was  somewhat  mortified  to  find,  on  entering  the 
fort,  that  he  had  granted  the  honors  of  war  to  two  men,  who 
were  its  only  occupants. 

In  February,  1779,  Gen.  Clarke  set  out  from  Kaskaskia 

account  of  the  massacre  of  Cherry  Valley.  861.  What  expedition  was  sent  out  by  Clin 
ton  in  November,  1778  ?  By  whom  was  the  city  held  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle. 
Haw  many  men  were  lost  on  the  retreat  ?  How  did  Admiral  Parker  treat  the  prisoners  ? 
What  part  of  Georgia  was  speedily  subdued  ?  362.  Give  an  account  of  Gen.  Clarko's 
expedition.  [See  Map,  p.  158. — Where  is  Kaskaskia?  Where  is  Vincennes?]  Give  au 
account  of  the  capture  of  Vincennes  by  the  governor  of  Detroit  What  was  done  by 


262  CAMPAIGN   OF  1779.  [l779 

with  170  men  for  the  recapture  of  Vincennes.  The  rivers 
were  high.  The  Wabash  {waw'-bash]  had  overflowed  the 
country  so  that  Clarke  and  his  men  were  obliged  to  wade  for 
miles  waist-deep  in  water.  Nearly  starving,  they  fortunately 
captured  an  Indian  party  from  which  they  obtained  a  small 
supply  of  buffalo-meat.  After  great  hardships,  they  reached 
Vincennes,  and  the  British  governor,  who  had  gained  the 
name  of  the  "hair-buying  general",  from  the  number  of 
scalps  he  had  purchased,  deemed  it  prudent  to  capitulate. 


CHAPTER    XV. 

CAMPAIGN     OF     1779. MOVEMENTS     IN     SOUTH     CAROLINA. 

CAPTURE    OF    STONY   POINT. SULLIVAN'S    INDIAN    EXPEDI 
TION. SIEGE    OF    SAVANNAH. PAUL  JONES. 

363.  AT  the  commencement  of  the  year  1779,  the  British 
army  in  the  south  consisted  of  3,000  effective  men,  under  the 
command  of  Gen.  Pre-vost'.  They  were  opposed  by  Lincoln, 
with  a  force  smaller  than  the  enemy's  and  far  inferior  to  them 
in  discipline  and  equipments.  Prevost  began  the  campaign 
by  attempting  the  conquest  of  South  Carolina.  A  body  of 
regulars  was  sent  to  take  possession  of  Port  Royal  Island, 
but  was  driven  back  by  Gen.  Moultrie.  Soon  after,  a  party 
of  700  tories  on  their  march  to  the  British  army  were  de 
feated  by  Col.  Pickens ;  and  some  of  their  leaders,  who  fell 
into  the  hands  of  the  Americans,  were  tried  and  executed 
as  traitors. 

Encouraged  by  this  success,  Lincoln  sent  Gen.  Ashe  to 
take  a  favorable  position  at  the  confluence  of  Briar  Creek 
and  the  Savannah.  Shortly  after  his  arrival,  a  party  of  Brit 
ish  crossed  the  creek  some  miles  above  and  surprised  the 

Gen.  Clarke,  In  February,  1779  ?    Describe  the  march  to  Vincennes.     What  was  the 
result? 

863.  With  how  many  men  did  the  British  general,  Prevost,  commence  the  southern 
campaign  in  1779  ?  With  how  many,  the  Americans  ?  What  was  the  first  enterpribe 
undertaken  by  Prevost  ?  What  was  its  success  ?  What  victory  was  achieved  by  OoL 
Pickcns  ?  What  was  Lincoln's  first  movement  ?  Give  an  account  of  Ashe's  defoot, 


1779]  PREVOST'S  ATTACK  ON  CHARLESTON.  263 

American  camp.  Most  of  the  militia  threw  down  their  arms 
and  fled.  Some  escaped  by  swimming,  but  over  300  were 
killed  and  taken.  The  British  commander  now  regarded 
Georgia  as  completely  subdued,  and  filled  the  various  state 
oflices  with  partisans  of  the  king.  Gen.  Lincoln  was  trying 
to  recover  the  ground  thus  unfortunately  lost,  when  a  move 
ment  of  the  enemy  towards  Charleston  obliged  him  to  march 
hastily  in  that  direction.  Pulaski's  "American  legion",  and 
Governor  Rutledge  with  a  strong  body  of  militia  threw 
themselves  into  the  city,  and  held  it  till  Lincoln's  approach 
forced  the  besieging  army  to  retire.  The  heat  soon  became 
so  intense  that  both  parties  gave  up  active  operations  till 
October. 

364.  During  Prevost's  incursion,  the  whig  families  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Charleston  suffered  much  from  the  brutality 
and  rapacity  of  his  soldiers.  Plantations  were  devastated. 
Money,  jewels,  and  plate  were  carried  off;  slaves  were  stolen, 
to  be  sold  in  the  West  Indies ;  and  what  could  not  be  taken 
away  was  destroyed.  On  St.  John's  Island,  the  family  of  a 
Mr.  Gibbs  were  driven  from  their  house.  In  the  midst  of 
rain  and  flying  bullets,  they  made  their  way  to  some  negro- 
cabins,  where  it  was  discovered  that  a  little  boy  had  been 
forgotten.  A  girl  of  thirteen  years  offered  to  return  for  the 
child.  Obtaining  entrance  with  difficulty,  she  found  the  ob 
ject  of  her  search  in  the  third  story,  bore  him  off  through  a 
shower  of  balls,  and  reached  her  friends  uninjured.  The  boy 
thus  saved  was  known  in  the  war  of  1812  as  Gen.  Fen  wick, 

Mrs.  Wilkinson  has  left  us  an  account  of  a  visit  made  to 
her  house  on  Young's  Island,  30  miles  from  Charleston,  by  a 
band  of  the  enemy.  They  plundered  the  estate,  drove  away 
the  horses,  tore  the  buckles  worn  by  the  ladies  of  the  house 
from  their  shoes,  and  rudely  plucked  the  rings  from  their 
fingers.  Mrs.  Wilkinson  begged  them  to  leave  her  a  few  in 
dispensable  articles  of  clothing,  but  received  only  curses  in 

\Vhat  was  now  done  by  tbe  British  commander?  Where  was  Lincoln  next  obliged  to 
go?  How  was  Charleston  saved  till  his  arrival?  What  prevented  further  operations? 
How  did  Prevost's  men  conduct  themselves?  What  story  is  told  of  Mr.  Gibbs'  family  ? 
Who  was  the  boy  thus  saved  ?  What  took  place  at  Mrs.  Wilkinson's  ?  365.  Where  did 


264: 


CAMPAIGN    OF   1779. 


reply.  A  soldier  belonging  to  the  marauding  party  was  af 
terwards  wounded  and  taken  prisoner  by  some  Americans. 
One  of  the  ladies  whom  he  had  plundered,  returning  good 
for  evil,  hastily  tore  up  her  only  remaining  handkerchief  to 
bind  his  bleeding  arm. 

365.  The  winter  of  1778-79  was  passed  by  the  northern 
American  army  at  Middlebrook,  1ST.  J.     In  preparing  for  the 
spring  campaign,  Washington  found  both  the  men  and  offi 
cers  of  the  New  Jersey  brigade  disposed  to  abandon  the 
service  in  consequence  of  the  backwardness  of  Congress  in 
paying  them  and  providing  for  their  wants.     Their  beloved 
general  could  not  blame  them,  for  he  had  often  expostulated 
with  Congress  on  the  subject ;  but  his  tender  solicitations 
and  warm  appeals  to  their  love  of  country  induced  them  still 
to  suifer  in  the  holy  cause. 

366.  To  command  the  Hudson  at  the 
crossing  called  King's  Ferry,  about  40 
miles  from  New  York,  Washington  se 
lected    for    fortification  two   elevated 
headlands  on  opposite  sides  of  the  riv 
er,  known  as   Stony  and  Verplanck's 
Point.    Before  the  defences  were  com 
pleted,  Gen.  Clinton  moved  up  the  river 
with  a  strong   force.     The   troops   at 
Stony  Point  retired  at  his  approach, 
and  the  other  garrison,  unable  to  stand 
the  heavy  fire  of  the  British  from  the 
opposite  heights,  surrendered  [June  1, 
1779]  as  prisoners  of  war.     The  fortifi 
cations  were  completed  without  delay, 

and  Col.  Johnson  was  left  in  command   6TONY  POINT  AND  VICINITY. 
of  Stony  Point,  with  a  garrison  of  600  men. 

While  these  posts  remained  in  the  enemy's  hands,  Ameri- 

Washington  pass  the  winter  of  1778-79  ?  What  disposition  was  manifested  by  the  New- 
Jersey  brigade ?  How  were  they  induced  to  remain  in  the  service?  366.  How  did 
Washington  propose  to  command  King's  Ferry?  [See  Map. — What  two  forts  on  the 
Hudson  north  of  Stony  Point?  What  village  south  of  Stony  Point?  What  mountain 
southwest  of  West  Point  ?]  Who  attacked  the  defences  at  Stony  and  Verplanck's  Point  ? 
What  was  the  result  ?  Who  was  left  in  command  of  Stony  Point  ?  What  enterprise 


177«J  WAYNE   SURPRISES   STONY    POINT.  265 

can  messengers  had  to  take  a  circuit  of  many  miles  in  bearing 
communications  between  the  east  and  south ;  Washington, 
therefore,  determined  to  recover  them,  and  intrusted  the 
difficult  enterprise  to  Gen.  Wayne.  On  the  15th  of  July, 
Wayne's  detachment  of  light  infantry  mustered  14  miles  be 
low  Stony  Point.  The  day  was  spent  in  marching  through 
narrow  defiles  and  over  ragged  rocks.  At  eight  in  the  even 
ing,  they  halted  about  a  mile  from  the  fort.  From  this  point 
they  were  guided  by  a  negro  named  Pompey,  who  was  in  the 
habit  of  visiting  the  garrison  after  his  day's  work  to  sell  them 
strawberries.  Accompanied  by  one  or  two  of  Wayne's  ad 
vanced  guards,  Pompey  boldly  approached  the  outposts,  and 
gave  the  countersign,  while  his  companions,  watching  then* 
opportunity,  seized  and  gagged  the  sentinels. 

Thus  the  Americans  reached  the  base  of  the  bluff  undis 
covered.  The  fort,  as  they  gazed  up  at  it,  seemed  almost 
impregnable.  It  lay  on  a  rocky  height,  accessible  only  by  a 
steep  and  narrow  path.  At  half  past  eleven  Wayne's  army 
commenced  the  ascent.  They  were  not  observed  till  within 
a  few  feet  of  the  pickets.  Here  they  received  several  shots, 
but  pressed  forward  with  the  bayonet.  The  roll  of  the 
drum  roused  the  sleeping  garrison,  and  quick  discharges  of 
cannon  and  musketry  met  the  advancing  columns.  Wayne 
was  wounded,  and  bade  his  aids  carry  him  forward  that  he 
might  die  at  the  head  of  his  men.  He  soon  found,  however, 
that  his  injury  was  not  mortal.  His  comrades  pressed  gal 
lantly  on,  and  the  British  were  obliged  to  surrender.  Their 
loss  amounted  to  63  killed  and  543  made  prisoners.  Wayne 
had  but  15  killed  and  83  wounded.  The  next  morning,  the 
cannon  were  turned  on  the  works  at  Verplanck's  Point.  But 
before  any  impression  was  made  on  them,  Wayne,  fearing 
an  attack  from  New  York,  destroyed  the  fort  and  beat  a 
retreat.  Congress  had  a  gold  medal  struck  in  honor  of  this 
brilliant  achievement. 

was  projected  by  Washington  ?  To  whom  did  he  intrust  it?  When  and  where  did 
Wayne's  light  infantry  muster  ?  How  did  they  succeed  in  passing  tha  outposts  ?  De- 
scriba  their  ascent  of  the  bluff.  Give  an  account  of  the  assault.  What  was  the  result  ? 
State  the  loss  on  each  side.  What  was  done  the  next  morning?  At  length  what  did 
Wayne  deem  it  prudent  to  do?  How  did  Congress  commemorate  this  victory?  807. 

12 


266  CAMPAIGN    OF   1779.  [l77t» 

>y 

367.  About  this  time,  the  merciless  Try  on  was  sent  to  New 
Haven,  with  2,500  men,  to  burn  the  shipping  in  that  port. 
The  militia  rallied  in  its  defence,  but  were  driven  back ;  and 
several  vessels,  together  with  large  quantities  of  military  and 
naval  stores,  were  destroyed.  Tryon  then  visited  Fairfield, 
Norwalk,  and  Greenwich,  all  of  which  he  reduced  to  ashes. 

•368.  The  massacres  of  Wyoming  and  Cherry  Valley  were 
still  fresh  in  the  memory  of  the  Americans ;  and  in  August 
Gen.  Sullivan  was  sent,  with  nearly  5,000  men,  to  punish  the 
Iroquois  by  destroying  their  villages  and  devastating  their 
country.  On  the  Ti-o'-ga  River  he  was  met  by  the  Indians 
in  full  force  under  Brant,  and  a  band  of  tories  headed  by  Sir 
John  Johnson.  They  had  thrown  up  works  in  European 
style,  and  bravely  defended  them  till  the  Americans  gained 
some  high  ground  on  their  flank,  when  they  gave  way  in 
confusion.  Fleeing  to  swamps  and  forests,  the  Red  Men  left 
their  pleasant  villages  and  luxuriant  corn-fields,  from  the  Sus- 
quehannah  to  the  Genesee,  entirely  at  the  mercy  of  the  in 
vaders.  Fearful  was  the  vengeance  inflicted.  Whole  villa 
ges  were  given  to  the  flames.  At  Wyoming,  no  mercy  was 
shown  but  the  hatchet ;  here,  none  but  the  firebrand.  On 
the  14th  of  September  Sullivan  reached  the  metropolis  of  the 
Genesee  valley;  128  buildings  and  160,000  bushels  of  corn 
were  there  destroyed.  The  whole  region  was  swept  as 
by  a  tornado ;  and  the  terrible  vengeance  of  "  the  Town- 
destroyer",  as  they  called  Washington,  was  never  forgotten. 

369.  On  the  1st  of  September,  Count  D'Estaing,  who  had 
gained  some  victories  in  the  West  Indies,  appeared  off  Sa 
vannah  with  his  fleet.  The  British  under  Prevost  were  still 
in  possession  of  the  city,  and  Gen.  Lincoln  hastened  to  co 
operate  with  the  French  against  them.  Prevost  was  sum 
moned  to  surrender  by  the  French  admiral,  but  was  unwise 
ly  allowed  a  day  for  consideration.  Employing  this  time  in 

Give  an  account  of  Tryon's  expedition  to  Connecticut  368.  Who  was  sent  to  punish 
the  depredations  of  the  Iroquois?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle  with  Brant  What 
followed  on  the  part  of  Sullivan  ?  What  place  was  reached  by  the  Americans,  September 
14th  T  What  were  there  committed  to  the  flames  ?  What  name  did  the  Indians  give 
Washington  ?  869.  On  the  1st  of  September,  who  appeared  off  Savannah  ?  By  whom 
was  the  city  still  held?  Who  hastened  to  join  in  the  attack?  Give  an  account  of  the 


1779]  UNSUCCESSFUL   ATTACK    ON    SAVANNAH.  267 

strengthening  his  defences,  the  British  commandant  finally 
announced  his  determination  to  hold  the  city.  A  heavy 
cannonade  was  opened  by  the  besiegers.  The  town  suffered 
severely.  The  inhabitants  were  driven  to  their  cellars,  and 
ventured  hi  the  streets  only  at  the  peril  of  their  lives.  Pre- 
vost  could  not  have  held  out  more  than  ten  days ;  but  the 
restless  D'Estaing  was  in  a  hurry  to  leave,  and  gave  the 
Americans  their  choice,  either  to  raise  the  siege  or  carry  the 
place  by  storm.  Though  it  was  risking  a  victory  already 
certain,  Lincoln  would  not  allow  his  allies  to  depart,  but  de 
clared  himself  ready  for  the  attack. 

On  the  9th  of  October,  the  French  and  Americans  ad 
vanced  against  the  British  works  in  three  divisions.  They 
were  received  with  a  heavy  fire,  which  mowed  down  whole 
platoons,  and  wounded  the  French  leader.  Still  they  pressed 
on,  and  the  flags  of  France  and  South  Carolina  were  soon 
waving  from  the  parapet.  In  a  moment  the  men  who  placed 
them  there  fell  by  a  discharge  of  musketry.  Sergeant  Jas 
per,  the  hero  of  Fort  Moultrie,  beheld  the  flag  of  his  state 
in  the  act  of  falling ;  springing  forward,  he  fixed  it  securely 
on  the  parapet,  and  fell,  mortally  wounded,  in  the  act.  Just 
then  a  charge  of  fresh  troops  from  the  garrison  swept  the 
assailants  from  the  works. 

In  other  parts  the  attack  was  equally  unsuccessful.  The 
gallant  Pulaski,  one  of  America's  noblest  defenders,  rushing 
forward  with  the  consecrated  banner  placed  in  his  hand  by 
Moravian  nuns,  was  struck  down  by  a  cannon-ball,  to  rise 
no  more.  His  followers  were  driven  from  the  field ;  and  the 
British  obtained  a  complete  victory.  Lincoln  wished  to  re 
new  the  attack ;  but  D'Estaing  refused  to  do  so,  and  with 
drew  his  fleet.  The  American  general,  mortified  at  the  fail 
ure  of  an  enterprise,  which  nothing  but  the  caprice  of  his 
ally  had  defeated,  led  his  diminished  army  to  Charleston. 

370.  Among  the  names  conspicuous  in  American  history 
at  this  period  is  that  of  John  Paul  Jones.  A  native  of  Scot- 
siege  of  Savannah.  What  unwise  course  was  proposed  by  D'Estaing?  Describe  tbo 
assault  Give  an  account  of  Jasper's  fall.  Of  Pulaski's.  "What  was  the  result?  What 
did  D'Estaing  proceed  to  do?  Whither  did  Gen.  Lincoln  move?  870.  What  is  said 


268  ACHIEVEMENTS    OF   PAUL   JONES.  [l779 

land,  he  early  embarked  in  the  naval  service  of  the  United 
States,  and  was  the  first  to  unfurl  the  banner  of  the  Republic 
on  the  Delaware.  The  capture  of  16  prizes  in  little  more 
than  six  weeks  proved  his  activity  and  prowess.  In  1778, 
he  enlarged  his  sphere  of  operations,  and  kept  the  coast  of 
Scotland  and  England  in  constant  alarm.  Boldly  entering 
the  harbor  of  Whitehaven,  he  took  two  forts,  and  fired  the 
shipping  they  protected.  Hurrying  from  point  to  point, 
wherever  a  prize  was  to  be  taken,  or  a  daring  deed  to  be 
achieved,  he  seemed  everywhere  present  and  always  invin 
cible.  In  September,  1779,  in  the  Bon  Homme  Richard 
\bo-nomf  re-shar'~\  (good  man  Richard),  of  40  guns,  accom 
panied  by  the  Alliance  and  several  smaller  vessels,  Jones  en 
countered,  off  the  coast  of  Scotland,  a  British  merchant  fleet 
returning  from  the  Baltic  under  convoy  of  two  frigates. 
The  commander  of  the  Serapis,  a  44-gun  frigate,  bore  down 
on  the  Americans,  and  one  of  the  most  terrible  actions  re 
corded  in  naval  history  followed.  Jones,  that  the  enemy 
might  have  no  advantage  from  the  superior  size  of  their  guns, 
brought  his  vessel  so  close  to  the  Serapis  that  their  sides 
touched.  Broadside  after  broadside  was  poured  in  by  both 
parties.  The  Serapis  was  soon  in  flames,  and  the  Bon 
Homme  Richard,  little  more  than  a  shapeless  hull,  had  most 
of  her  guns  silenced.  The  British  attempted  to  board  the 
latter,  but  were  repulsed.  The  Alliance  now  came  up,  and, 
after  first  giving  her  consort  a  broadside  by  mistake,  turned 
her  guns  on  the  enemy.  The  Serapis  struck.  Her  flames  were 
arrested,  and  Jones,  finding  that  his  own  vessel  was  sinking, 
hastily  transferred  his  crew  to  the  captured  frigate.  Of  375 
men,  with  whom  he  had  begun  the  action,  300  were  either 
killed  or  wounded.  Meanwhile  the  consort  of  the  Serapis 
had  also  surrendered,  and  the  American  victory  was  thus 
complete.  With  some  difficulty,  Jones  brought  his  shat 
tered  prizes  to  the  coast  of  Holland.  --/ 

of  John  Paul  Jones?  At  the  commencement  of  the  ^ar,  how  did  be  prove  bis  prow 
ess?  In  1778,  what  did  he  do  ?  Relate  his  exploit  at  Whitehaven.  What  was  his  ves 
sel  called  ?  On  the  23d  of  September,  what  did  he  encounter  ?  Give  an  account  of  tho 
engagement  with  the  Serapis.  How  did  it  refult?  How  many  men  did  Paul  Jones 
lose  f  W  hat  did  he  do  wit  h  his  prizes  ? 


178O] 


THE   BRITISH    ATTACK   CHARLESTON. 


269 


CHAPTER    XVI. 

CAMPAIGN  OF  1*780. FALL  OF  CHARLESTON. — PARTISAN  WAR 
FARE  IN  THE  SOUTH. BATTLE  OF  CAJVIDEN. 

371.  THE  winter  of  1779-80  was  passed  by  one  division  of 
the  northern  army  of  the  United  States  at  West  Point,  un 
der  Gen.  Heath,  by  the  other  at  Morristown,  N.  J.,  under 
Washington.  Lincoln  commanded  at  the  South  ;  and,  as 
all  hope  of  recovering  Georgia  had  vanished  with  the  repulse 
at  Savannah,  he  confined  himself  to  efforts  in  behalf  of  South 
Carolina,  particularly  Charleston,  now  threatened  by  the 
British.  On  the  10th  of  February,  1780,  a  fleet  of  the  ene 
my  landed  a  strong 
body  of  troops  on  the 
islands  in  the  harbor. 
The  British  ships  sail 
ed  past  the  American 
forts  with  little  or 
no  loss,  and  batteries 
were  erected  at  vari- 


SIEGE    OF 

CHARLESTON 

1780. 


ous  points.     Gen.  Clinton  now  demanded  the  surrender  of 
the  city,  but  Lincoln,  who  had  been  reinforced,  resolved  to 


871.  Where  did  the  northern  army  of  the  United  States  spend  the  winter  of  1T79-80? 
To  what  did  Gen.  Lincoln  confine  his  attention?  Give  an  account  of  the  investment 
of  Charleston.  [See  Map.— What  large  island  southeast  of  Charleston  ?  At  the  mouth 
of  what  creek  did  the  British  galleys  lie  ?  Near  what  river  was  the  British  hospital  ?] 


270  CAMPAIGN    OF    1780.  [l780 

hold  out  as  long  as  possible.  A  destructive  fire  was  at  once 
commenced  by  the  enemy. 

General  Hu'-ger  had  been  stationed  near  the  head  of  Ash 
ley  River  with  a  body  of  cavalry.  On  the  14th  of  April 
his  detachment  was  surprised  and  dispersed  by  Tarleton. 
Four  days  after,  Cornwallis  arrived  from  New  York  with 
3,000  additional  men.  An  incessant  cannonade  was  main 
tained,  and  the  condition  of  the  inhabitants  was  deplorable 
in  the  extreme.  Cannon  balls  were  continually  flying  through 
the  air,  shells  exploding,  buildings  falling,  and  flames  crack 
ling.  It  was  impossible  to  hold  out  longer.  On  the  12th 
of  May,  articles  of  capitulation  were  signed.  Four  frigates, 
400  pieces  of  artillery,  and  5,000  Americans,  of  whom  the 
garrison  constituted  about  one-half,  thus  fell  into  the  hands 
of  the  enemy. 

372.  The  British  followed  up  their  success  at  Charleston 
with  active  measures  for  completing  the  subjugation  of  South 
Carolina.     Garrisons  were  stationed  at  different  points,  and 
2,000  men  were  dispatched  towards  North  Carolina  to  over 
awe  the  whigs  in  that  direction.     Tarleton,  with  700  horse 
men,  overtook  a  party  of  retreating  Americans  under  Col. 
Bu'-ford  at  Waxhaws,  and  put  them  to  the  sword  while  ask 
ing  quarter.     For  a  time  the  patriots  of  Carolina  seemed 
paralyzed.     Many  consented  to  recognize  the  king's  author 
ity,  on  condition  that  they  would  not  be  required  to  serve 
in  the  war ;  and  Clinton,  believing  that  South  Carolina  was 
"  again  entirely  English",  left  Cornwallis  in  command  of  the 
southern  army,  and  returned  to  New  York. 

373.  Soon  after  his  departure,  the  overbearing  conduct  of 
the  British,  and  their  violation  of  the  terms  of  the  surrender, 
opened  the  eyes  of  the  people,  and  awakened  a  determined 
spirit  of  resistance.    Some  of  the  principal  citizens  of  Charles 
ton  were  seized  and  imprisoned.    More  than  a  thousand  per- 

"W  hat  befell  Huger's  detachment  of  horse?  By  whom  was  Clinton  reinforced?  De 
scribe  the  situation  of  the  besieged  city.  What  took  place  on  the  12th  of  May  ?  What 
did  the  British  gain  by  the  surrender  ?  372.  How  did  the  British  follow  up  their  suc 
cess  ?  Give  an  account  of  Buford's  defeat.  What  did  Clinton  think  with  respect  to 
South  Carolina  ?  Whom  did  he  leave  in  command  of  the  southern  army  ?  878.  After 
Clinton's  departure,  what  course  was  pursued  by  the  British  ?  What  was  the  conse- 


1780J  PARTISAN    WARFARE   IN   THE   SOUTH.  271 

sons  were  deprived  of  their  property  and  driven  from  their 
homes.  Reports  of  these  outrages  were  not  long  in  spread 
ing  over  the  state,  and  no  stronger  argument  against  ma 
king  terms  with  the  enemy  was  needed.  Sumter,  Wynn, 
and  others,  organized  parties,  with  the  determination  of  keep 
ing  the  field  till  their  country  was  free.  Living  in  the  woods 
on  the  precarious  food  they  afforded,  ready  for  march  or 
battle  at  a  moment's  notice,  these  brave  hearts  were  the 
scourge  of  the  British  and  tories, — appearing  when  least  ex 
pected,  cutting  off  straggling  parties,  swooping  down  on  the 
rear  of  their  armies,  always  fearless  and  generally  victorious. 
Sometimes  they  met  the  enemy  with  but  three  rounds  of  am 
munition  to  each  man ;  and  often  part  of  a  company  took 
the  field  unprovided  with  arms,  waiting  to  obtain  those  of 
their  companions  who  should  fall. 

374.  In  June,  1780,  Cornwallis  dispatched  a  party  of  cav 
alry  and  tories  to  crush  some  of  these  troublesome  rebels. 
On  the  way,  they  stopped  at  the  house  of  a  Mrs.  Bratton,  and 
asked  where  her  husband  was.     "  In  Sumter's  army,"  was 
the  reply.     Incensed  at  this  avowal,  the  commander  was 
prevented  from  killing  her  only  by  the  solicitation  of  a  bro 
ther  officer.     During  the  night,  the  patriots  in  the  neighbor 
hood  learned  of  the  arrival  of  the  enemy.  A  small  force  assem 
bled,  and  the  British  were  captured.     Among  the  prisoners 
was  an  officer,  on  whom, -for  previous  offences,  sentence  of 
death  was  pronounced.     As  a  last  favor,  he  begged  to  be 
led  into  the  presence  of  Mrs.  Bratton.     Recognizing  him  as 
her  preserver,  she  interceded  in  his  behalf,  and  his  life  was 
granted  to  her  prayers. 

375.  Among  the  most  successful  partisan  leaders  was  Fran 
cis  Marion,  a  descendant  of  the  Huguenots  of  South  Carolina, 
who  had  served  in  early  life  against  the  Cherokees,  and  sub 
sequently  at  Fort  Sullivan  and  Charleston.    While  hastening 
to  join  the  American  regiments,  now  on  their  march  to  the 
South,  lie  organized  a  mounted  band  of  about  twenty  men 

quence  ?  Who  organized  parties  to  oppose  the  British  ?  Describe  the  partisan  warfare 
of  this  period.  374.  Relate  an  incident  that  happened  in  June,  17SO.  875.  What  par 
tisan  leader  \ris  particularly  distinguished?  Where  had  he  seen  service?  Describe 


272  CAMPAIGN   OF    1780.  [l78O 

and  boys,  some  white  and  others  black.  Their  wretched 
clothing  gained  for  them  the  name  of  "the  ragged  regi 
ment",  and  led  the  proud  Gates,  who  had  just  been  appoint 
ed  to  the  command  of  the  southern  department,  to  disperse 
with  their  services  in  the  regular  army,  and  send  them  to  the 
interior  of  Carolina.  Though  Gates  was  ashamed  of  "  the 
ragged  regiment",  their  gallant  leader  was  not.  Increasing 
their  number  from  time  to  time,  as  circumstances  allowed, 
he  achieved  with  their  aid  a  series  of  minor  though  brilliant 
victories. 

Still  Cornwallis  remained  master  of  South  Carolina. 
Camden  [see  Map,  p.  286]  was  his  principal  rendezvous  in 
the  upper  country,  and  thither  the  tories  flocked.  Mean 
while  the  American  army  just  alluded  to  was  slowly  ap 
proaching.  Its  command  had  been  intrusted  to  the  veteran 
De  Kalb ;  but,  towards  the  end  of  July,  Gen.  Gates  super 
seded  De  Kalb  by  the  appointment  of  Congress.  Elated  by 
his  former  success,  Gates  resolved  to  strike  a  decisive  blow, 
and  pushed  rapidly  on,  though  his  men  were  suffering  much 
from  sickness  and  scarcity  of  food.  As  he  advanced,  the 
British  outposts  fell  back  on  Camden  ;  and  by  the  middle  of 
August  the  two  armies  lay  encamped  within  a  short  distance 
of  each  other,  ready  for  battle. 

376.  The  hopes  of  southern  patriots  were  revived  by  the 
news  of  Gates'  approach.  A  number  of  farmers,  hunters, 
and  others,  who  were  tired  of  the  British  yoke,  quickly  ap 
peared  in  the  field ;  and  Sumter,  who  was  called  to  their 
command,  soon  found  himself  at  the  head  of  600  men.  With 
these  he  dispersed  several  bodies  of  the  enemy  near  the  Great 
Pe-dee'.  On  the  6th  of  August,  he  attacked  a  large  detach 
ment  at  Hanging  Rock.  The  powder  used  on  this  occasion 
was  saved  by  the  heroism  of  two  w^omen.  It  had  been 

Marion's  "  ragged  regiment".  What  did  Gates  think  of  it  ?  What  did  it  enable  Marion 
to  achieve  ?  To  what  place  did  the  tories  flock  ?  What  was  the  American  army  doing  ? 
Who  commanded  it?  What  did  Gates  resolve  to  do ?  On  what  place  did  the  British 
outposts  fall  back  ?  What  was  the  position  of  the  armies  at  the  middle  of  August  ? 
376.  What  effect  had  Gates1  approach  on  the  southern  patriots?  What  partisan  leader 
look  the  command ?  Where  did  Sumter  operate  with  success?  [See  Map,  p.  236.— 
Where  is  the  Great  Pedee?  Where  is  Camden?  On  what  river  is  Hanging  Rock?] 
On  the  6th  of  August,  what  did  Sumter  do?  How  was  his  powder  saved  from  the  Brit- 


17 80]  BATTLE    OF    HANGING    ROCK.  273 

stored  in  a  house  occupied  by  Mrs.  Thomas  with  her  daugh 
ter  and  son-in-law,  which  was  attacked  by  a  party  of  the  en 
emy.  Aware  that  Sumter's  army  would  be  powerless  if  the 
ammunition  were  taken,  they  determined  to  defend  it  to  the 
last  extremity.  The  doors  were  barricaded.  The  two  wo 
men  loaded  guns,  and  the  son-in-law  discharged  them  with 
such  rapidity  and  effect,  that  the  British  supposed  a  body  of 
men  to  be  posted  there,  and  gave  up  the  attack.  The  pow 
der  was  saved,  but  there  was  only  enough  to  afford  each 
man  two  charges.  With  this  small  allowance,  the  battle  of 
Hanging  Rock  was  commenced.  Fortunately  the  tories  fled 
early  in  the  action,  and  the  ammunition  they  left  behind  en 
abled  Sumter's  men  to  repel  the  bayonets  of  the  British. 
Nothing  but  the  arrival  of  reinforcements  saved  the  latter 
from  total  defeat. 

Among  the  boys  who  began  a  brave  career  under  Sum- 
ter  in  the  battle  of  Hanging  Rock,  was  Andrew  Jackson,  not 
yet  fourteen  years  of  age.  He  and  his  brother  were  soon 
afterwards  captured,  but  in  the  spring  of  1781  they  were  set 
free  by  an  exchange  of  prisoners.  Both  were  sick  with  small 
pox  at  the  time  ;  Andrew  survived,  his  brother  died.  The 
account  they  gave  of  the  sufferings  of  their  countrymen  on 
the  prison-ships  in  Charleston  harbor  induced  their  widowed 
mother,  with  a  few  other  intrepid  women,  to  visit  them,  at 
the  risk  of  insult  and  danger,  with  food,  clothing,  and  medi 
cine.  Having  contracted  the  fatal  prison  fever  on  board  one 
of  the  ships,  Mrs.  Jackson  died  on  her  return,  a  short  dis 
tance  from  Charleston,  a  martyr  to  the  heroic  spirit  which 
animated  the  daughters  of  Carolina  in  "  the  times  that  tried 
men's  souls".  The  young  Andrew,  thus  left  without  a  single 
relative  in  the  land  of  his  birth,  devoted  much  of  his  life 
from  this  time  to  the  service  of  his  country,  who  afterwards 
rewarded  his  fidelity  with  the  highest  office  in  her  gift. 

377.  Sumter's  success,  added  to  the  intelligence  of  Gates' 
rapid  approach,  alarmed  Cornwallis,  and.  he  hastened  from 

ish  ?  ITow  many  charges  did  each  man  have  ?  How  was  a  further  supply  ohtained  ? 
How  did  the  battle  of  Hanging  Rock  terminate?  Who  began  a  brave  career  at  Hang 
ing  Rock?  How  old  was  ho?  What  befell  Andrew  Jackson  and  his  brother?  Give  an 

12* 


274:  CAMPAIGN    OF  1780.  [1780 

Charleston  to  Camden  to  take  command  of  the  army,  which 
had  been  left  under  Lord  Rawdon.  Eight  hundred  men 
were  too  sick  to  take  the  field.  A  still  larger  number  in  the 
American  ranks  were  unfit  for  service  from  the  same  cause ; 
so  that,  after  sending  the  sick  with  his  extra  stores  and  lug 
gage  to  Waxhaws,  Gates  found  he  had  but  3,663  men  in  his 
camp.  With  this  force  drawn  up  in  order  of  battle,  at  ten 
o'clock  on  the  night  of  August  15  [1780],  he  set  out  in  pro 
found  silence,  in  the  hope  of  surprising  the  enemy. 

By  a  singular  coincidence,  Cornwallis  had  formed  the  same 
design ;  and  about  the  time  that  Gates  marched  for  Camden, 
he  left  his  quarters  to  surprise  the  American  camp.  Neither 
party  was  aware  of  the  other's  movements ;  and,  at  two  on 
the  morning  of  the  16th,  much  to  their  surprise,  the  hostile 
forces  met.  The  discovery  was  made  on  both  sides  at  the 
same  moment,  and  firing  immediately  commenced.  The  in 
terval  till  daylight  was  employed  in  preparing  for  a  general 
engagement.  Hardly  had  the  battle  begun,  when  part  of  the 
American  militia,  quailing  before  the  terrible  fire  to  which 
they  were  exposed,  threw  down  their  arms  and  fled.  In  vain 
the  regulars  nobly  seconded  the  efforts  of  the  intrepid  De 
Kalb ;  they  were  forced  to  give  way  before  the  superior  dis 
cipline  of  the  British  regiments.  Tarleton's  cavalry  com 
pleted  the  rout,  and  strewed  the  road  for  miles  with  dying 
and  dead.  The  defeat  at  Camden  cost  the  Americans  great 
quantities  of  stores,  and  nearly  2,000  men,  killed,  wounded, 
and  captured.  De  Kalb,  the  friend  of  La  Fayette  and  fellow- 
sufferer  with  Washington  at  Valley  Forge,  fell  in  the  battle, 
pierced  with  eleven  wounds,  and  died  a  prisoner  three  days 
afterwards.  A  lieutenant,  who  threw  his  arms  round  his 
commander  to  save  him  from  the  bayonets  of  the  foe,  was 
himself  mortally  wounded.  Forty-five  years  after  the  death 
of  De  Kalb,  a  monument  was  erected  to  his  memory  at  Cam 
den,  the  corner-stone  of  which  was  laid  by  La  Fayette. 

account  of  their  mother's  fate.  377.  Who  took  command  of  the  British  army  at  Cam 
den?  How  many  of  Corn wallis's  men  were  unfit  for  service?  How  large  a  force  had 
Gates?  Where  did  Gates  send  his  sick  ?  What  was  his  plan  of  operations  on  the  15th 
of  August?  What  was  contemplated  by  Cornwallis  ?  Under  what  circumstances  did 
the  hostile  armies  meet  ?  What  followed  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle  of  Camden. 


1780J          DEPRECIATION    OF    CONTINENTAL   MONET.  275 

Gates  was  unable  to  rally  his  men.  Over  dreary  miles  of 
swamp  and  pine-barrens  they  held  their  flight.  Many  who 
had  before  been  wavering,  now  hastened  to  show  their  devo 
tion  to  the  king  and  secure  a  share  of  the  spoils  by  joining 
in  the  pursuit.  At  last,  harassed  and  exhausted,  the  rem 
nants  of  the  defeated  army  found  refuge  in  Charlotte,  N.  C. ; 
and  there,  after  a  time,  Gates  was  superseded  by  Gen.  Greene. 

378.  Carolina  was  now  completely  at  the  mercy  of  the 
British.     Sumter,  after  capturing  some  stores  at  Wa-ter-ee' 
Ford,  was  surprised  by  the  active  Tarleton,  and  lost  most  of 
his  men.    Marion  retired  to  his  forest  fastnesses,  but  was  still 
the  scourge  of  hostile  parties,  on  whom  he  fell  when  they 
deemed  themselves  most  secure.     For  a  tune  this  gallant 
partisan  and  his  men  were  the  only  active  defenders  of 
American  liberty  in  the  south. 

379.  During  the  year  1780,  Congress  was  continually  ham 
pered  in  its  action  by  a  want  of  money.     At  the  commence 
ment  of  the  war,  the  feeble  colonies,  having  no  funds  at 
command,  had  been  obliged  to  issue  bills  of  credit,  for  the 
payment  of  which  they  pledged  the  public  faith.     The  cause 
of  liberty  required  constant  advances;  and  in  1780  it  was 
found  that  no  less  than  $200,000,000  of  continental  money 
(as  it  was  called)  was  in  circulation. 

At  first  the  bills  passed  at  par,  that  is  for  the  full  sum 
which  they  promised  to  pay ;  but,  as  Congress  kept  issuing 
large  amounts,  which  they  could  not  redeem  with  gold  or 
silver,  people  wrould  not  take  them,  except  at  a  great  discount, 
or  allowance.  Thus,  in  April,  1780,  one  silver  dollar  was 
worth  forty  hi  continental  bills ;  and  soon  afterwards  no  less 
than  $75  hi  bills  was  given  for  one  hi  specie.  A  pair  of  boots 
at  this  time  sold  for  $600  continental  money.  To  injure  still 
more  the  credit  of  Congress,  the  British  flooded  the  country 

What  did  this  defeat  cost  the  Americans  ?  What  able  general  fell  ?  Where  has  a  monu 
ment  been  erected  to  De  Kalb's  memory  ?  Describe  the  retreat  of  the  American  army. 
Where  did  the  remnants  of  the  army  assemble  ?  Who  superseded  Gates  ?  878.  What 
befell  Sumter?  Who  for  a  time  was  the  sole  defender  of  the  American  cause  in  Caro 
lina?  379.  Describe  the  financial  difficulties  of  Congress.  At  last  how  much  continental 
money  was  in  circulation  ?  For  what  did  the  bills  originally  pass  ?  What  caused  them  to 
become  less  valuable?  To  what  extent  did  they  depreciate?  What  means  did  the 


276 

with  counterfeit  bills,  which  it  was  impossible  to  distinguish 
from  those  that  were  genuine.  At  last  no  one  would  take 
continental  money  on  any  terms ;  those  who  had  it  on  hand 
were  plunged  in  the  greatest  distress,  and  all  business  was 
paralyzed.  In  this  desperate  state  of  affairs,  a  few  noble- 
hearted  patriots  stepped  forward  to  the  relief  of  their  suffer 
ing  country.  Robert  Morris,  with  the  aid  of  some  influential 
fellow-citizens,  established  a  bank  in  Philadelphia,  which  was 
found  so  useful  that  Congress  pledged  the  faith  of  the  United 
States  to  sustain  it,  and  in  1781  established  the  bank  of  North 
America  on  the  same  basis,  intrusting  Mr.  Morris  with  its 
management. 

380.  The  noble  efforts  of  the  women  of  our  country  must 
not  be  forgotten.  Wishing  to  do  all  in  their  power  for  the 
holy  cause,  they  organized  societies  and  made  up  large  quan 
tities  of  clothing  with  their  own  hands  for  the  suffering  sol 
diers.  Particularly  was  this  done  in  Philadelphia,  where  Dr. 
Franklin's  daughter  and  the  wife  of  Gen.  Joseph  Reed  took 
a  prominent  part  in  the  movement.  No  less  than  $7,500 
worth  of  clothing  was  thus  contributed ;  and  many  a  needy 
and  ragged  soldier  invoked  a  blessing  on  the  tender-hearted 
women  of  the  dear  land  for  which  he  fought,  when  he  was 
enabled,  through  their  labors,  to  exchange  his  tattered  gar 
ments  for  a  warm  and  comfortable  suit. 


CHAPTER   XVII. 

ARNOLD'S  TREACHERY. — BATTLE  OF  KING'S  MOUNTAIN. 

381.  THE  British  attempted  little  in  the  north  during 
1780;  and  the  condition  of  Washington's  army  prevented 
him  from  acting  on  the  offensive.  Notwithstanding  the  re- 
British  take  to  injure  the  credit  of  Congress?  What  was  the  result?  Who  carae  for 
ward  to  the  aid  of  Congress?  How  were  the  difficulties  in  question  for  a  time  relieved  ? 
380.  How  did  the  women  of  America  contribute  to  the  relief  of  the  soldiers?  Where, 
in  particular,  was  this  done  ? 
881.  What  is  said  of  operations  in  the  north  during  1780  ?  What  hampered  Wash- 


17 80]  ,         HE   OBTAINS   COMMAND   OF    WEST   POINT.  277 

lief  afforded  from  time  to  time  by  public-spirited  men,  it  was 
found  difficult  to  provide  food  for  the  soldiers ;  and,  as  their 
terms  expired,  they  withdrew  from  the  service.  When, 
therefore,  a  French  fleet,  which  had  been  sent  to  the  aid  of 
America  through  the  influence  of  La  Fayette,  arrived  at 
Newport,  on  the  13th  of  July,  Washington  had  neither  the 
men  nor  the  supplies  necessary  for  cooperating  with  it.  Be 
fore  he  was  ready  to  take  the  field,  the  arrival  of  a  strong 
British  fleet  at  New  York  made  the  enemy  once  more  mas 
ters  of  the  sea,  and  kept  the  Americans  and  their  allies  from 
active  operations. 

382.  Hardly  had  the  hopes  of  Washington  been  thus  dis 
appointed  when  a  blow  was  struck  at  the  cause  of  liberty  in 
a  quarter  where  it  was  least  expected.  Gen.  Arnold,  whose 
services  at  Quebec,  Stillwater,  and  elsewhere,  we  have  men 
tioned  in  high  terms,  had  been  placed  in  command  at  Phila 
delphia  after  its  evacuation  by  the  British,  but  had  there 
been  guilty  of  dishonesty  and  made  himself  generally  offen 
sive  to  the  inhabitants.  By  order  of  Congress,  he  was  tried 
before  a  court-martial,  and,  in  compliance  with  its  verdict, 
was  reprimanded  by  Washington.  This  punishment,  though 
well  deserved,  excited  in  Arnold's  soul  a  fierce  thirst  for  ven 
geance,  and  lefl  him  no  rest  till  he  had  devised  a  plan  for 
betraying  his.  country  to  the  enemy.  Professing  unaltered 
attachment  to  the  cause  he  had  defended  with  his  blood,  he 
solicited  the  command  of  West  Point,  at  that  time  the  most 
important  post  in  the  hands  of  the  Americans.  Having  re 
ceived  the  desired  appointment  in  consideration  of  his  pre 
vious  services,  he  forthwith  proposed  to  Gen.  Clinton  to 
betray  the  fortress  into  his  hands.  Clinton,  who  believed 
that  the  loss  of  this  post  would  put  an  end  to  "the  rebellion", 
gladly  listened  to  the  offer,  and  sent  Major  Andre  to  confer 
with  the  traitor  on  the  conditions  of  the  surrender. 

Andre  sailed  up  the  Hudson  on  the  Vulture,  a  British 

ington's  movements?  On  the  18th  of  July,  1780,  what  arrived?  Before  Washington 
was  ready  to  cooperate  with  the  French,  what  took  place?  382.  What  city  had  been 
Intrusted  to  Arnold?  What  is  said  of  his  course  at  Philadelphia?  How  was  he  pun 
ished?  To  what  did  this  excite  him  ?  Of  what  fortress  did  he  obtain  command?  [See 
Map,  p.  2C4.— How  is  West  Point  situated?]  To  whom  did  he  make  proposals  for  Ita 


278 


ARNOLD  S    TREACHERY. 


[1780 


sloop-of-war,  landed  in  the  evening  a  few  miles  below  West 
Point,  and  shortly  after  midnight  was  met  by  Arnold  in  a 
thicket  near  the  shore.  Here  the  details  of  their  scheme 
were  discussed  in  whispers ;  but  morning  dawned  before 
they  had  finished,  and  they  withdrew  to  a  house  within  the 
American  lines.  In  the  course  of  the  morning  [September 
22nd]  the  terms  were  settled.  Arnold  was  to  receive  £10,000 
and  the  rank  of  brigadier-general  in  the  British  army.  Clin 
ton  was  to  ascend  the  river  and  appear  before  West  Point, 
which  would  be  given  up  after  a  show  of  resistance.  Plans 
of  the  work  and  a  statement  of  its  condition  were  given  to 
Andre,  who  concealed  them  in  his  stockings.  The  bargain 
having  been  con 
cluded,  Arnold 
returned  to  his 
head-quarters  at 
Beverly  Robin- 
eon's  house,  after 
giving  Andre  a 
pass,  with  which 
in  the  evening  he 
set  out  for  New 
York  city.  Ta 
king  the  east  side 

of   the    river      he       BKVKKLY  ROBINSON'S  HOUSE,  ARNOLD'S  HEADQUARTERS. 

reached  the  neighborhood  of  Tarrytown  in  safety  [see  Map, 
p.  264] ;  but  there,  almost  within  sight  of  the  British  lines, 
he  was  stopped  by  three  patriots,  John  Paulding,  Isaac  Van 
Wart,  and  David  Williams.  Supposing  from  what  they  said 
that  they  were  royalists,  Andre  avowed  himself  a  British 
officer;  but,  on  discovering  his  mistake,  he  produced  Ar 
nold's  pass,  and  begged  that  he  might  continue  his  journey. 
The  suspicions  of  his  captors  were  aroused,  and  insisting  on 
a  search  of  his  person  they  discovered  the  important  papers 

surrender  ?  Who  was  sent  to  confer  with  Arnold  ?  Give  an  account  of  their  interview. 
Where  did  they  go  when  it  became  light  ?  What  conditions  were  agreed  on  ?  "What 
were  given  to  Andre  ?  On  the  conclusion  of  the  business,  where  did  Arnold  go  ?  When 
did  Andre  start  ?  Give  an  account  of  his  capture.  [See  Map,  p.  264. — In  what  direction 
ie  West  Point  from  Peekskill  ?  What  was  the  ground  about  Tarrytown,  on  which  Au- 


1780]  HE    MAKES   GOOD   HIS   ESCAPE.  279 

already  mentioned.  Refusing  to  release  him,  even  for  ten 
thousand  guineas,  they  bore  him  to  the  nearest  American 
post.  The  officer  there  in  command,  not  suspecting  Arnold, 
sent  Andre  to  his  quarters  with  a  letter  explaining  why  he 
was  detained ;  but,  on  consultation  with  others,  the  order 
was  countermanded.  Andre  was  taken  to  ,  North  Salem, 
whence  he  wrote  to  Washington,  informing  him  of  his  name 
and  rank,  and  the  circumstances  in  which  he  was  placed. 

On  the  morning  of  Andre's  arrest,  Arnold  expected  Wash 
ington  at  his  quarters ;  but,  as  the  latter  did  not  arrive,  he 
sat  down  to  breakfast  with  his  family.  While  there,  a  letter 
was  placed  in  his  hands,  announcing  Andre's  capture.  Call 
ing  his  wife  up-stairs,  he  told  her  that  they  must  part  at 
once,  perhaps  forever,  and  bade  her  a  hasty  adieu.  Mrs. 
Arnold,  who  was  unacquainted  with  her  husband's  treacher 
ous  designs,  dismayed  at  his  words,  fell  fainting  to  the  floor. 
Hastily  kissing  his  infant  boy,  who  lay  asleep  in  the  cradle, 
the  traitor  left  the  house  by  an  unfrequented  path,  and  es 
caped  in  his  barge  to  the  Vulture,  which  lay  a  few  miles  be 
low.  Here  he  not  only  refused  to  give  the  boatmen  their 
fee,  but  even  offered  to  surrender  them  as  prisoners  to  the 
British.  The  captain  of  the  Vulture,  however,  despising  his 
meanness,  paid  the  men  and  let  them  go. 

Washington  presently  arrived  at  the  Robinson  house,  and, 
not  finding  Arnold,  crossed  to  West  Point.  Here  he  was 
equally  unsuccessful.  Returning  to  Robinson's,  he  soon  had 
an  explanation  of  Arnold's  absence  in  the  news  of  Andre's 
capture  and  the  papers  found  on  his  person.  Unfortunately, 
it  was  too  late  to  arrest  the  traitor.  A  letter  was  shortly 
after  received  from  him,  soliciting  protection  for  his  wife. 
It  found  her  frantic  with  despair  at  her  husband's  disgrace. 
She  was  treated  kindly  by  the  American  officers,  and  allowed 
to  rejoin  the  unworthy  object  of  her  affection. 

dre  was  captured,  called  ?]  Where  was  Andre  taken  at  first  ?  Where,  finally  ?  From 
North  Salem,  to  whom  did  Andre  write  ?  State  the  circumstances  nnder  which  Arnold 
learned  the  discovery  of  his  plot  Describe  his  parting  interview  with  his  wife.  How 
did  he  escape?  How  did  he  treat  the  boatmen  to  whom  he  owed  his  escape?  Mean- 
While,  who  arrived  at  the  Robinson  house  ?  Where  did  he  seek  Arnold  ?  What  at 
length  explained  Arnold's  absence?  How  did  his  wife  feel?  How  was  she  treated? 


280 


TRIAL   AND    EXECUTION    OF    ANDKE. 


[1780 


WASHINGTON'S  QUARTEIIS  AT  TAPPAN. 


383.  Washing 
ton  now  fixed  his 
head-quarters  at 
Tappan,  and  An 
dre  was  conveyed 
thither  under  a 
strong  escort.  He 
was  tried  by  a 
court  of  fourteen 
generals,  among 
whom  were  La 
Fayette,  Greene, 
Steuben,  and  Stir 
ling.  The  prison 
er  conducted  his 
own  defence,  and  made  a  plain  statement  of  the  facts,  deny- 
ing  that  he  was  a  spy,  inasmuch  as  he  had  entered  the  Amer 
ican  lines  on  the  invitation  of  an  American  general.  The 
court,  however,  after  long  deliberation,  pronounced  him  a 
spy,  and  sentenced  him  to  death.  Andre  was  a  brave,  amia 
ble,  and  accomplished  man ;  and  his  sentence,  though  just, 
excited  the  sympathies  of  Americans  as  well  as  British.  Clin 
ton  tried  every  means  to  effect  his  release.  Washington  pro 
posed  to  exchange  him  for  Arnold  ;  but,  gladly  as  the  British 
general  would  have  done  this,  he  felt  that  he  could  not  hon 
orably  break  his  faith  even  with  a  traitor,  and  reluctantly 
declined  the  offer.  The  sentence  was  carried  into  effect  on 
the  2nd  of  October.  Andre  showed  no  fear  of  death,  but 
asked  to  be  shot,  instead  of  hanged.  Even  this  last  request 
Washington  felt  compelled  to  refuse.  The  remains  of  the 
unfortunate  officer  were  buried  near  the  place  of  execution, 
but  were  afterwards  disinterred  and  taken  to  London,  where 
they  now  rest  in  Westminster  Abbey.  The  three  honest 


D83.  Where  did  Washington  now  fix  his  head-quarters  ?  Who  was  brought  there  ?  Give 
an  account  of  Andre's  trial  and  defence.  What  was  the  verdict?  What  was  Andre's 
character?  "What  efforts  were  made  by  Clinton?  What  did  Washington  propose? 
How  was  this  proposal  received  by  Clinton?  When  was  the  sentence  carried  out? 
What  was  Andre's  last  request?  What  became  of  Andre's  remains?  How  were  his 


1780]  ATTEMPT   TO    CAPTURE   ARNOLD.  281 

patriots  who  refused  his  bribes  were  rewarded  by  Congress 
with  a  silver  medal  and  a  pension  of  $200  a  year. 

384.  Washington  could  not  give  up  the  hope  of  punishing 
Arnold  for  his  perfidy,  and  with  the  aid  of  Major  Lee  laid  a 
plan  to  capture  him.     A  Virginian  named  John  Champe  un 
dertook  the  dangerous  enterprise,  which  was  kept  a  profound 
secret.     Champe  left  the  American  camp  late  at  night.     An 
alarm  was  given ;  but  Lee,  aware  of  the  cause,  managed  to 
give  the  pretended  deserter  sufficient  time  to  make  good  his 
escape  to  a  British  boat.     He  played  his  part  so  well  that  he 
was  received  without  the  least  suspicion  into  Arnold's  legion 
of  loyalists  and  deserters.     The  traitor's  quarters  were  in 
the  lower  part  of  Broadway,  New  York.     Champe's  plan 
was  to  seize  him  in  the  garden  back  of  his  house,  gag  him, 
and  convey  him  in  a  boat  across  the  river.    He  was  prevent 
ed  from  executing  it  by  Arnold's  accidentally  changing  his 
quarters.     Compelled  to  accompany  his   regiment  to  Vir 
ginia,  he  at  last  found  an  opportunity  of  rejoining  his  old 
companions,  among  whom  the  story  of  his  risks  awakened 
no  little  interest.     Arnold  received  the  promised  reward, 
and  wreaked  his  malice  on  America  by  devastating  different 
parts  of  the  country  ;  but,  on  his  arrival  in  England,  he  was 
treated  with  universal  contempt.     In  his  native  country,  his 
name  was  always  mentioned  with  detestation.     "  I  was  born 
in  America,"  said  Arnold  years  afterwards  to  a  French  states 
man,  "  I  lived  there  to  the  prime  of  my  life ;  but,  alas !  I 
can  call  no  man  in  America  my  friend." 

385.  After  his  success  at  Camden,  Cornwallis  proceeded 
to  overrun  North  Carolina.     Advancing  as  far  as  Charlotte, 
he  waited  for  Major  Ferguson,  who  had  been  sent  to  the 
mountain-region  to  enroll  the  loyalists,  and  overawe  those 
that  favored  the  patriot  cause.     Ferguson  met  with  more 
resistance  than  he  anticipated.   At  one  place,  a  lady  at  whose 
house  he  stopped,  after  waiting  on  him  and  his  officers  at  ta- 

captors  rewarded  ?  884.  Who  laid  a  plan  to  capture  Arnold  ?  By  whom  was  the  enter 
prise  undertaken  ?  Give  an  account  of  Champe's  adventures.  What  Is  said  of  Arnold^ 
subsequent  history  ?  What  remark  did  he  make  to  a  French  statesman  ?  385.  What 
wero  Cornwallis's  movements,  after  gaining  the  victory  of  Camden  ?  Who  was  pent  to 


282  BATTLE   OF   KING'S   MOUNTAIN.  [l780 

ble,  stole  from,  the  room,  mounted  a  wild  young  horse,  rode 
to  a  neighboring  encampment  of  Americans,  and  warned 
them  that  they  were  in  danger  of  attack.  She  was  absent 
BO  short  a  time  that  she  escaped  suspicion ;  and,  when  the 
British  attempted  to  surprise  the  Americans  shortly  before 
daylight,  they  found  the  latter  ready  to  receive  them  with 
loaded  rifles.  In  the  battle  which  ensued,  the  British  were 
repulsed  with  great  loss. 

By  this  time  the  mountaineers  were  collecting  in  numbers 
under  Colonels  Campbell  and  Shelby  and  other  distinguished 
officers.  Even  the  want  of  ammunition  did  not  keep  them 
from  the  field.  They  made  their  own  powder,  from  nitre 
found  in  the  mountain  caverns  and  charcoal  burned  by  the 
women  on  their  own  hearths.  A  thousand  of  these  deter 
mined  men  gave  chase  to  Ferguson's  detachment,  and  over 
took  it  at  King's  Mountain  on  the  7th  of  October.  En 
camped  on  the  top,  the  British  felt  secure ;  but  with  such 
impetuous  courage  and  deadly  aim  were  they  attacked,  that 
their  leader  and  many  of  his  best  officers  fell,  and  the  rest, 
finding  themselves  hemmed  in  on  all  sides,  surrendered. 
Their  total  loss  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  amounted 
to  over  1,100  men.  The  Americans  had  but  20  killed,  though 
a  large  number  were  wounded.  Ten  tones,  who  had  been 
active  in  robbing  and  murdering  their  countrymen,  were 
hanged  the  following  morning. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

CAMPAIGN    OF    1781. — THE    COWPENS. GUILFOKD    COURT 
HOUSE. — NINETY-SIX. EUTAW   SPRINGS. 

386.  THE  commencement  of  the  year  1781  found  the  af 
fairs  of  America  in  a  more  hopeless   condition  than  ever. 

the  mountain-region  ?  For  what  purpose  ?  Tell  how  a  body  of  Americans  was  saved 
from  surprise.  Under  what  leaders  did  the  mountaineers  collect  ?  How  did  they  got 
powder?  Where  did  they  overtake  Ferguson's  detachment ?  When?  [See  Map  p. 
286.— Where  is  King's  Mountain  ?]  Give  an  account  of  the  engagement.  What  vas 
tue  loss  on  each  side  ?  What  was  done  to  ten  of  the  captured  tories  ? 


178l]  MUTINIES    IN   THE    AMERICAN    CAMP.  283 

Congress  had  resolved  to  have  an  efficient  army  in  the  field 
by  the  1st  of  January.  But  men  would  not  enlist  when  the 
sufferings  of  those  already  in  the  service  were  known  through 
out  the  land ;  and  it  was  even  feared  that  the  few  before 
enrolled,  would  have  to  be  disbanded  for  want  of  food.  On 
the  night  of  January  1st,  1781,  the  Pennsylvania  regiments 
broke  out  into  open  mutiny,  declaring  that  they  would  march 
to  Philadelphia,  and  compel  Congress  to  redress  their  wrongs. 
Gen.  Wayne,  who  was  a  great  favorite  with  his  men,  tried 
to  no  purpose  to  restrain  them.  They  presented  their  bay 
onets  to  his  breast,  and  1,300  strong  commenced  their  march 
to  Philadelphia.  Washington  was  at  New  Windsor ;  and, 
not  feeling  sure  of  the  disposition  of  the  other  troops,  he 
thought  it  best  to  let  Congress  settle  the  difficulty.  A  com 
mittee  of  that  body  met  the  disaffected  men,  and  succeed 
ed  in  satisfying  them.  While  still  insisting  on  their  rights, 
they  were  as  stanch  patriots  as  ever  ;  not  only  had  they  no 
idea  of  joining  the  royal  army,  but  they  even  handed  over 
to  Gen.  Wayne,  as  spies,  several  emissaries,  who  had  come  to 
seduce  them  into  the  British  service. 

The  example  of  the  Pennsylvanians  was  soon  followed  by 
the  New  Jersey  brigade ;  and  Washington  found  it  neces 
sary  to  put  down  the  mutiny  by  force,  and  execute  its  lead 
ers  on  the  spot.  These  demonstrations  showed  Congress 
the  necessity  of  more  earnest  efforts  for  obtaining  funds  and 
properly  supporting  the  army.  As  the  resources  of  America 
seemed  to  be  exhausted,  an  agent  was  sent  to  France  for  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  a  loan.  In  February,  1781,  Robert 
Morris  was  appointed  superintendent  of  finance.  By  using 
his  private  credit  for  the  government,  he  restored  confidence 
in  the  honesty  of  Congress  and  its  ability  to  pay  its  debts. 
The  Bank  of  North  America  was  established  by  his  recom- 


8S6.  Desci  ibe  the  state  of  affairs  in  America  at  the  commencement  of  1781.  What 
apprehensions  were  entertained?  What  took  place,  January  1,  17S1  ?  What  passed 
between  the  insurgents  and  Gen.  Wayne  ?  Where  was  Washington  ?  What  did  he 
deem  it  best  to  do  ?  How  did  Congress  settle  the  difficulty  ?  What  did  the  mutineers 
do  to  the  British  emissaries?  By  whom  was  this  example  of  mutiny  followed?  What 
course  was  pursued  by  Washington?  What  was  the  consequence  of  these  demonstra 
tions  ?  Where  was  it  attempted  to  obtain  a  loan  ?  What  office  was  conferred  on  Rob- 


284:  BATTLE    OF   THE    COWPENS.  [l781 

mendation  and  placed  under  his  direction.  Securing  all  the 
gold  that  he  could  obtain  in  the  United  States,  he  redeemed 
the  bills  of  the  bank  as  they  were  presented,  and  then  pri 
vately  sending  round  agents,  again  got  possession  of  the 
gold,  and  was  ready  to  redeem  more.  It  was  out  of  his 
power  to  make  good  the  $200,000,000  of  continental  money 
already  issued ;  but  the  engagements  entered  into  from  this 
time  were  promptly  met,  and  the  army  was  kept  from  dis 
banding. 

387.  Congress, in  1777, had  agreed  upon  certain  "Articles 
of  Confederation",  to  serve  as  a  basis  of  union  for  the  states. 
Several  years  elapsed  before  these  articles  were  ratified  by 
all  the  members  of  the  confederacy.     Maryland  was  the  last 
to  accept  them,  March  1,  1781. 

388.  On  his  appointment  to  the  command  of  the  southern 
department,  General  Greene  reorganized  the  army,  and  sta 
tioned  detachments  at  various  exposed  points.     A  division 
of  1,000  men  under  Gen.  Morgan,  one  of  the  heroes  of  Still- 
water,  was  posted  at  the  junction  of  the  Broad  and  Pac-o-let' 
Rivers  [see  Map,  p.  286].     Tarleton,  with  a  superior  force, 
was  dispatched  against  them.     The  Americans  fell  back  to 
a  favorable  position  at  the  Cowpens  ;  and  there,  on  the  17th 
of  January,  1 781,  an  obstinate  engagement  took  place.   Tarle- 
ton's  men  charged  with  that  fierce  impetuosity,  which  in  for 
mer  battles  had  at  once  insured  victory  by  throwing  the 
American  militia  into  confusion :  but  on  this  occasion  they 
were  received  with  a  firmness  they  had  not  expected,  and 
the  deadly  aim  of  men  used  to  the  rifle.     This  brave  resist 
ance  made  the  British  veterans  waver,  and  a  vigorous  charge 
of  Col.  Washington's  cavalry,  supported  by  the  infantry  un 
der  Col.  Howard,  decided  the  fortune  of  the  day  in  favor  of 
the  patriots.     The  Americans  lost  about  70  men,  of  whom 
but  12  were  killed.     The  British  loss  amounted  to  100  killed 
and  533  captured.     Valuable  spoils,  including  35  baggage- 

ert  Morris?  State  the  measures  taken  by  Mr.  Morris  to  sustain  the  credit  of  Congress. 
387.  What  is  said  of  the  "Articles  of  Confederation"?  888.  What  was  Gen.  Greene's 
first  care  on  assuming  command ?  Where  was  Morgan  posted?  [See  Map,  p.  286.— 
Describe  the  Broad  River.  The  Pacolet  Where  were  the  Cowpens  situated  ?]  Who 
•was  sent  against  Morgan's  detachment?  Where  did  Morgan  and  Turleton  meet?  Give 


i78ij  MORGAN'S  MEMORABLE  RETREAT.  285 

wagons  and  100  dragoon  horses,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
victors. 

Tarleton,  who  had  been  wounded  by  Col.  Washington  in 
a  personal  encounter  during  the  battle,  could  not  forgive  his 
antagonist.  Some  time  afterwards  he  remarked  in  company 
that  he  had  heard  Col.  Washington  was  so  ignorant  he  could 
not  write  his  own  name.  "  Ah !  colonel,"  replied  a  whig 
lady  who  was  present,  "  you  should  know  better ;  for  you 
bear  evidence  that  he  can  make  his  mark." 

389.  Cornwallis  was  much  chagrined  at  Tarleton's  defeat. 
Destroying  his  heavy  baggage,  he  set  out  with  all  speed  in 
pursuit  of  Morgan,  who,  after  the  victory  at  the  Cowpens, 
had  made  for  Virginia.  '  By  rapid  marches  the  Americans 
reached  the  Catawba,  and  crossed  it  just  two  hours  before 
the  British  army  arrived  at  the  bank.     As  the  day  was  near 
ly  spent,   Cornwallis  concluded  to  wait  till  morning ;   but 
during  the  night  a  heavy  rain  set  in,  and  the  river  was  so 
swollen  that  for  three  days  it  was  impassable.     At  the  expi 
ration  of  that  time,  the  pursuit  was  resumed. 

Meanwhile  Gen.  Greene,  who  had  hastened  to  Morgan's 
aid,  assumed  command  of  the  retreating  army.  While  Corn 
wallis  was  crossing  the  Catawba,  the  American  general  en 
tered  the  town  of  Salisbury  [sawlzf-ber-re],  drenched  with 
rain  and  overcome  with  fatigue.  The  hostess  of  the  inn 
at  which  he  put  up,  hearing  him  say  that  he  was  "  hungry, 
alone,  and  penniless,"  after  preparing  his  dinner,  brought 
him  all  the  money  she  had,  and  bade  him  take  it,  at  the 
same  time  assuring  him  that  the  people  were  still  devoted  to 
the  cause  of  liberty. 

390.  Encouraged  and  refreshed,  Gen.  Greene  continued 
the  retreat  with  all  possible  haste.     That  same  evening  he 
reached  the  Yad'-kin,  a  few  miles  north  of  Salisbury,  and 
Cornwallis  passed  the  night  at  the  latter  place.      Before 
dawn,  the  whole  American   army  had    crossed  the    river. 


an  account  of  the  battle  of  the  Cowpens.  What  anecdote  is  told  of  Tarleton  ?  389. 
Where  did  Morgan  go  after  his  victory  at  the  Cowpens?  What  did  Cornwallis  imme 
diately  do  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  crossing  of  the  Catawba.  Who  now  assumed  the 
oominaud  of  the  American  army  ?  What  story  U  told  of  the  landlady  at  Salisbury  ? 


286 


RETREAT   OF   THE    AMERICAN   ARMY. 


£1781 


?"  SOUTHERN    CAMPAIGN 
1780-81. 


Hardly  were  they  safe  on  the  other  side,  when  another  heavy 
rain  commenced ;  and  by  the  time  the  British  came  up  they 
found  a  swelling  flood  which  it  was  impossible  to  cross. 
Cornwallis  marched  up  the  west  side  of  the  river  to  Hunts- 
ville,  effected  the  passage  at  that  place,  and  pressed  on  to 
intercept  the  weary  Americans  before  they  should  reach  the 
fords  of  the  Dan. 

On  the  7th  of  February,  Greene  and  his  men  reached 
Guilford  Court  House,  150  miles  from  the  Cowpens.  A  short 
rest  was  here  allowed  them,  and  a  junction  was  effected  with 
the  remainder  of  the  army.  Still  they  were  too  weak  to  face 
the  enemy,  and  the  retreat  was  continued.  Cornwallis,  who 
had  crossed  higher  up,  moved  by  forced  marches  in  a  parallel 
direction,  and  both  armies  advanced  at  the  rate  of  30  miles 
a  day.  Greene  reached  the  ford  first,  and  on  the  14th  the 


390.  What  was  the  position  of  Greene  and  Cornwallis  on  the  ensuing  night?  [See 
Map.— Describe  the  Yadkin.  What  is  its  name  in  South  Carolina?  How  is  Salisbury 
situated  ?]  What  detained  Cornwallis  here  ?  What  river  was  next  to  be  reached  ?  Give 


178l]  BATTLE   OF    GUILFORD   COURT   HOUSE.  287 

whole  army  got  over  in  safety.  Cornwallis  here  gave  up  the 
pursuit,  and  retired  to  Hillsborough.  Both  Morgan  and 
Greene  displayed  great  ability  hi  conducting  this  memorable 
retreat.  The  men  bore  their  hardships  with  the  most  praise 
worthy  fortitude.  Their  clothing  was  wretched ;  their  shoes 
were  completely  worn  out.  During  most  of  the  march  they 
had  eaten  but  one  meal  a  day,  and  had  slept  in  the  open  air, 
there  being  no  time  to  pitch  their  tents. 

391.  As  soon  as  his  army  had  recovered  from  its  fatigue, 
Greene  again  took  the  field,  with  the  view  of  harassing  the 
enemy.  He  avoided  a  general  action  by  constantly  changing 
his  position,  but  sent  out  detachments  which  encountered  the 
enemy  with  success.  On  one  occasion,  a  band  of  tories  mis 
took  Col.  Lee's  troop  for  a  company  of  their  own  men,  and 
were  cut  down  by  the  Americans,  wrhile  exclaiming  "  God 
save  the  king !"  For  three  weeks  this  kind  of  war  was  con 
tinued,  and  so  scarce  were  provisions  that  the  American  gen 
eral  was  often  obliged  to  ask  his  soldiers  for  a  piece  of  bread. 

On  the  15th  of  March,  Greene  determined  to  hazard  an 
engagement.  His  army  had  been  increased  by  reinforce 
ments  to  4,400  men,  more  than  half  of  whom  were  militia, 
and  at  Guilford  Court  House  [see  Map,  p.  286]  he  offered 
battle  to  the  enemy.  Hardly  had  the  action  commenced, 
when  the  American  militia,  seized  with  a  panic,  gave  way. 
The  regulars  allowed  the  retreating  militia  to  pass  through 
their  ranks,  and  maintained  the  conflict  for  an  hour  and  a 
half.  The  superior  discipline  of  the  British,  however,  finally 
prevailed.  Gen.  Greene,  seeing  his  men  forced  back,  and 
apprehending  a  failure  of  ammunition,  drew  off  his  army  in 
good  order,  but  was  obliged  to  leave  his  artillery  in  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.  By  the  latter  this  victory  was  dearly 
bought.  They  had  lost  600  men  and  many  valuable  officers. 
Four  hundred  and  nineteen  Americans  were  killed  and 

^u  account  of  the  march  of  the  hostile  armies.  Who  reached  the  ford  first  ?  Where  did 
Cornwallis  then  proceed  ?  What  is  said  of  this  famous  retreat  ?  391.  What  was  Greene's 
next  movement?  "What  policy  did  he  pursue?  What  mistake  was  made  by  a  band  of 
tories  ?  What  is  said  of  the  scarcity  of  provisions?  Where  did  Greene  make  a  stand  on 
the  15th  of  March  ?  With  how  many  men  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle  of  Guilford 
Court  House.  [See  Map,  p.  286.— Where  is  Guilford  Court  House?]  State  the  loss  on 


288  ARNOLD   IN    VIRGINIA.  [l781 

wounded,  and  many  of  the  militia  embraced  the  opportu 
nity  to  desert.  A  dark,  rainy  night  succeeded  this  day  of 
slaughter.  The  dead  and  wounded  were  left  on  the  field, 
and  many  perished  for  want  of  shelter. 

392.  Though  a  victor,  Cornwallis  deemed  it  prudent  to 
retreat ;  and  Greene,  who  had  retired  a  short  distance,  was 
soon  on  his  track.     The  British  reached  Wilmington  early 
in  April.     Greene  passed  on  with  the  view  of  recovering 
South  Carolina.     Cornwallis  left  the  defence  of  that  state  to 
Lord  Rawdon's  division,  which  was  already  there,  and  to 
wards  the  close  of  April  set  out  with  his  army  for  Virginia. 
We  must  go  back  a  few  months,  to  note  what  was  there 
transpiring. 

393.  On  the  4th  of  January,  Arnold,  who  had  sailed  from 
New  York  with  instructions  to  devastate  southern  Virginia, 
landed  near  Richmond  with  1,600  men  and  destroyed  a 
quantity  of  stores.     Burning  with  hate  against  the  patriots 
whom  he  had  tried  to  betray,  he  sent  out  detachments  in 
different  directions,  whose  course  was  marked  with  blood 
and  flames.     With  malignant  pleasure  he  set  fire  to  private 
as  well  as  public  property,  and  laid  waste  many  a  happy 
home  and  thriving  plantation. 

To  stop  these  outrages,  La  Fayette  was  sent  to  Virginia 
with  1,200  men,  and  the  French  fleet  was  dispatched  from 
Rhode  Island  to  prevent  Arnold's  escape  by  sea.  A  British 
squadron  started  in  pursuit  of  the  French ;  and  an  engage 
ment  took  place  off  Cape  Henlopen,  which  rendered  it  neces 
sary  for  the  latter  to  return.  Clinton  then  sent  a  reinforce 
ment  of  2,000  men  to  the  aid  of  Arnold,  and  the  work  of 
devastation  was  carried  on  more  vigorously  than  ever.  La 
Fayette  exerted  himself  to  the  utmost  to  protect  the  country, 
but  his  force  was  inadequate  to  the  purpose.  His  men  were 
chiefly  from  the  north ;  and  fears  of  the  climate  and  the  su 
perior  numbers  of  the  enemy,  led  many  to  desert.  La  Fay- 
each  side.  What  proved  fatal  to  many  of  the  wounded  ?  892.  After  this  victory,  whero 
did  the  British  retire  ?  [See  Map.— Where  is  Wilmington  ?]  Describe  Greene's  next 
movements.  What  did  Cornwallis  do?  393.  Give  an  account  of  Arnold's  proceedings 
in  Virginia.  What  measures  were  taken  to  stop  these  ravages?  How  were  the  French 
prevented  from  cooperating?  llow  waa  Arnold  reinforced?  Under  what  dinicuHioa 


178lJ  BATTLE   OF   HOBKIRK's    HILL.  289 

ette  set  forth 'the  baseness  of  such  conduct  to  his  soldiers, 
and  told  them  that  if  those  who  wished  to  abandon  their 
comrades  would  make  known  their  desire,  he  would  give 
them  a  permit  to  leave.  Not  a  man  accepted  the  offer,  nor 
were  there  any  more  desertions.  General  enthusiasm  pre 
vailed;  a  sergeant  who  was  unable  to  walk  even  hired  a 
place  in  a  cart  that  he  might  keep  up  with  the  army.  The 
generous  Frenchman  rewarded  the  devotion  of  his  followers 
by  supplying  them  writh  shoes,  linen,  and  other  necessaries, 
at  his  own  expense. 

394.  On  his  arrival  from  North  Carolina,  Cornwallis  took 
command  of  the  army  in  Virginia,  and  continued  to  ravage 
the  country.     The  tobacco  warehouses  and  shipping  of  Pe 
tersburg  were  destroyed.     Wherever  there  wras  a  tine  plan 
tation,  the  British  made  a  descent,  and  the  royal  cavalry 
obtained  a  new  supply  of  horses  at  the  expense  of  the  whig 
farmers.     Tarleton  captured  several  members  of  the  Legis 
lature  at  Charlottesville,  and  burned  part  of  the  stores  there 
collected,  the  rest  having  been  saved  by  Jefferson.     After 
spending  most  of  the  summer  in  these  operations,  and  de 
stroying  property  to  the  value  of  $10,000,000,  Cornwallis 
collected  his  forces,  and  retired  to  Yorktown,  which  he  pro 
ceeded  to  fortify. 

395.  We  left  Gen.  Greene  in  April,  1781,  on  the  march  for 
South  Carolina.     Lord  Rawdon,  the  British  commander,  lay 
at  Camden;  and  thither  Greene  marched  with  his  main  body. 
He  encamped  at  Hobkirk's  Hill,  a  mile  from  the  enemy's  lines. 
On  the  25th  of  April,  a  British  prisoner  escaped  and  bore 
such  information  to  Lord  Rawdon  as  induced  him  to  make 
an  immediate  attack  on  the  Americans.     For  a  time  the 
latter  had  the  advantage ;  but  at  the  moment  of  victory  a 
band  of  regulars  gave  way.     Greene  was  forced  to  retreat, 
but  lost  in  the  action  only  18  killed,  to  38  on  the  part  of  the 
British. 

did  La  Fayette  labor?  How  did  he  put  a  stop  to  desertions?  Give  an  instance  of  the 
subsequent  enthusiasm  of  his  troops.  How  did  La  Fayette  reward  them  ?  394.  Givo 
an  account  of  Cornwallis's  and  Tarleton's  operations  in  Virginia.  Whither  did  Corn- 
Wftjis  finally  retire?  895.  On  entering  South  Carolina,  to  what  place  did  Greene  pro- 
seed?  Where  did  he  encamp?  What  led  Rawdon  to  attack  him ?  Give  an  account  of 

13 


290  SIEGE    OF   NINETY-SIX.  [l781 

396.  Marion  and  Lee,  meantime,  were  enjoying  a  series  of 
triumphs  on  the  Congaree.     Among  the  points  which  they 
attacked  was  Fort  Motte,  the  residence  of  a  whig  lady,  which 
the  enemy  had  taken  and  fortified.     The  garrison  refused  to 
surrender ;  and,  as  Rawdon  had  destroyed  his  works  at  Cam- 
den  and  was  on  his  way  down  the  river,  there  was  no  time 
for  a  siege.     Mrs.  Motte  insisted  that  the  assailants  should 
fire  her  house  to  dislodge  the  enemy.     She  produced  a  large 
bow,  and  burning  arrows  soon  set  the  shingled  roof  in  flames. 
The  occupants  tried  to  put  out  the  fire ;  but,  as  often  as  they 
appeared,  Marion's  riflemen  drove  them  back.     At  length, 
to  save  their  lives,  they  surrendered.     The  flames  were  ex 
tinguished  ;  and  Mrs.  Motte,  restored  to  her  home,  sump 
tuously  entertained  the  officers  of  both  armies. 

397.  One  after  another,  the  posts  of  the  British  were  taken, 
and  at  last  only  Ninety-Six,  Augusta,  and  Charleston  remained 
in  their  possession.     The  first  of  these  was  strongly  fortified, 
and  garrisoned  by  550  tories,  under  Col.  Cru'-ger.     On  the 
22nd  of  May,  Gen.  Greene  appeared  before  it,  and  with  the 
aid  of  Kosciusko  commenced  a  regular  siege.     The  tories 
made  a  gallant  resistance,  in  the  hope  of  relief ;  and,  though 
Greene  pushed  the  work  with  unremitting  energy,  the  ap 
proach  of  the  British  commander  compelled  him  to  raise  the 
siege,  after  an  unsuccessful  assault.     At  Augusta  the  Ameri 
cans  were  more  successful ;  the  garrison  at  that  place  capitu 
lated,  on  the  5th  of  June,  to  Col.  Pickens. 

Soon  after  leaving  Ninety-Six,  it  became  important  for 
Greene  to  communicate  with  Sumter ;  but,  as  the  surround- 
ing  country  was  filled  with  British  and  tories,  no  one  offered 
to  undertake  the  dangerous  mission.  In  this  emergency,  a 
girl  of  eighteen  years,  named  Emily  Geiger  [ffi'-jer],  volun 
teered  to  make  the  attempt,  and  received  from  Greene  a  letter 
and  verbal  message  which  he  wished  conveyed.  Mounting  a 

the  battle  of  Hobkirk's  Hill  ?  396.  Describe  the  movements  of  Marion  and  Lee.  Give 
an  account  of  the  siege  of  Fort  Motte.  [See  Map,  p.  286.— Where  was  Fort  Motte?] 
397.  What  became  of  the  minor  posts  of  the  British?  At  last  what  places  alone  were 
left  them  ?  [See  Map,  p.  286.— How  is  Augusta  situated  ?  How  Ninety -six  ?]  Give  an 
account  of  the  siege  of  Ninety-six  ?  How  was  Greene  compelled  to  raise  it?  Who  at 
tacked  Augusta?  With  what  success?  Tell  the  story  of  Emily  Geiger.  Whither  did 


178l] 


EMILY    GEIGEB   AND   THE   TORIES. 


291 


swift  horse,  Emily  performed  part  of  the  distance  in  safety, 
but  was  finally  stopped  by  two  tories,  who  suspected  that  she 
might  be  engaged  on  some  secret  service.  Left  alone  for  a 
moment,  the  heroic  girl  embraced  the  opportunity  to  swal 
low  Gen.  Greene's  letter;  and,  nothing  suspicious  being 


EMILY   GEIGEK   AND   THE  TORIES. 


found  upon  her,  she  was  allowed  to  proceed.  Sumter's  camp 
was  reached.  The  message  was  delivered,  and  with  such 
effect  that  Greene's  army  was  soon  strong  enough  to  assume 
the  offensive.  Rawdon  was  obliged  to  retreat,  and  Greene 
sought  amid  the  hills  on  the  Santee  to  restore  the  health  and 
energies  of  his  men. 

398.  Gen.  Greene  next  moved  towards  Charleston,  and 
various  brilliant  achievements  were  performed  in  the  vicinity 
of  that  city  by  Sumter,  Marion,  Lee,  Horry,  Taylor,  Hamp 
ton,  and  James.  Several  detachments  of  the  enemy  were 
defeated  and  dispersed,  and  some  vessels  laden  with  valuable 
stores  were  burned.  Alarmed  for  the  safety  of  the  city, 


Bawdon  retreat  ?    393.  To  what  place  did  Greene  next  turn  his  attention  ?    What  lead 
ers  performed  brilliant  achievements  in  the  vicinity  ?    To  what  incaeun;  did  Lord  R:iw 


292  BATTLE   OF   BUT  AW   SPRINGS.  [1781 

Rawdon  called  upon  those  who  had  taken  an  oath  of  alle 
giance  to  the  king,  to  come  forward  for  its  defence.  Among 
these  was  Col.  Isaac  Hayne,  who,  on  the  capture  of  the  city 
by  the  British,  to  obtain  his  liberty  and  a  last  interview  with 
his  dying  wife,  had  promised  to  support  the  royal  govern 
ment,  on  the  assurance  that  he  would  not  have  to  take  up 
arms  in  its  behalf.  After  receiving  the  last  sigh  of  his  wife, 
and  following  one  of  his  children  to  the  grave,  Col.  Hayne 
had  remained  at  home,  taking  no  part  in  the  conflict,  till  he 
received  Lord  Rawdon's  summons  to  repair  to  his  standard. 
As  by  this  act  the  British  violated  their  agreement,  Colonel 
Hayne  felt  that  he  was  absolved  from  his  part  of  the  con 
tract.  Collecting  a  troop  of  horse,  he  ranged  the  country ; 
but,  after  gaining  some  advantages,  was  defeated  and  cap 
tured.  He  was  sentenced  to  death.  In  vain  his  fellow- 
citizens,  in  vain  the  ladies  of  Charleston,  in  vain  the  sister 
of  the  prisoner  and  his  orphan  children,  implored  Lord  Raw 
don's  mercy.  On  the  4th  of  August,  Col.  Hayne  was  hanged 
like  a  common  criminal. 

399.  At  this  juncture  Lord  Rawdon  returned  to  England, 
leaving  Col.  Stuart  in  command  of  the  British  army  in  South 
Carolina.  Stuart  took  a  position  at  Eutaw  Springs  ;  and 
Greene,  whose  army  had  been  increased  by  reinforcements 
to  2,600  men,  attacked  him  at  that  place.  The  battle  was 
fought  on  both  sides  with  desperate  courage.  At  last  the 
British  ranks  were  broken.  As  they  gave  way,  Col.  Camp 
bell,  who  had  contributed  much  to  the  success  of  the  Amer 
icans,  fell  mortally  wounded ;  his  last  words  were,  "  I  die 
contented".  Col.  Washington  received  a  bayonet  wound, 
and  was  taken,  while  half  his  troop  of  cavalry  fell  on  the 
field.  Still  the  rout  of  the  British  was  general,  and  the 
Americans,  thinking  the  battle  was  over,  seized  upon  the 
captured  stores.  While  they  were  thus  scattered  and  off 

don  resort  ?  Under  what  circumstances  had  Col.  Hayne  promised  to  support  the  royal 
government?  Give  an  account  of  his  subsequent  history.  899.  What  did  Lord  Raw 
don  do,  at  this  juncture?  On  whom  did  the  command  of  the  British  devolve?  Where 
did  Stuart  take  a  position?  [See  Map,  p.  2S6.— Where  were  Eutaw  Springs?]  What 
t(X)k  place  at  Eutaw  Springs?  Which  party  gave  way?  Give  an  account  of  Col.  Camji- 
bell's  fall  What  befell  Col.  Washington  and  his  troop?  How  were  the  Americana 


178l]  ARRIVAL   OF    A    FRENCH    FLEET.  293 

their  guard,  the  enemy  rallied  and  returned  to  renew  the 
engagement.  The  vigilance  of  Greene  saved  his  men  from 
a  surprise,  and  with  some  loss  he  drew  them  off.  Though 
the  British  remained  masters  of  the  field,  the  Americans  had 
the  decided  advantage  hi  this  battle.  The  former  lost  in 
killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  not  far  from  700  men ;  the 
American  loss  was  555.  The  next  day,  Stuart  destroyed  his 
stores,  and  retreated  towards  Charleston,  leaving  1,000  stands 
of  arms  behind  him. 

This  battle  closed  the  long  contest  in  the  Carolinas.  The 
patriot  cause  was  once  more  triumphant.  Congress  voted 
the  highest  honors  to  General  Greene  and  his  officers,  who 
throughout  the  whole  campaign  had  conducted  themselves 
with  distinguished  ability  and  valor. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

SIEGE    OP   YORKTOWN. — SURRENDER    OF   CORNWAJLLIS. 

400.  ON  the  last  day  of  August,  1781,  a  French  fleet  un 
der  De  Grasse  [du  gras\  arrived  in  Chesapeake  Bay ;  and 
it  was  agreed  between  the  French  and  the  American  com 
mander  to  attack  Cornwallis,  now  strongly  intrenched  at 
Yorktown.  Washington,  who  had  been  threatening  New 
York,  carefully  concealed  this  new  design,  and,  withdrawing 
his  army  from  the  Hudson,  marched  rapidly  towards  Vir 
ginia.  Clinton  did  not  become  aware  of  his  movements  till 
it  was  too  late  to  prevent  them  ;  but  he  tried  to  recall  Wash 
ington  by  sending  Arnold  to  devastate  Connecticut.  Used 
;o  this  business,  and  glad  to  have  an  opportunity  of  glutting 
his  malice,  Arnold  landed  on  the  Thames  [see  Map,  p.  91], 
took  the  posts  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  and  sent  Col. 
Eyre  [ire]  against  Fort  Griswold,  on  the  other  side.  Col. 

nearly  surprised  ?  What  was  the  final  result  ?  State  the  loss  on  each  side.  What  was 
Stuart's  next  movement  ?  What  is  said  of  this  battle  ?  What  honors  were  rendered 
to  Gen.  Greene? 

400.  What  took  place,  August  Slst,  1781  ?    On  whom  was  an  attack  concerted  ?    Whut 
did  Washington  do  with  his  army  ?    How  did  Clinton  try  to  divert  him  from  his  pur 


294 


SIEGE   OF   YOKKTOWN. 


[1781 


Ledyard  made  an  heroic  defence,  but  had  at  last  to  surrender. 
Eyre,  wounded  in  the  attack,  was  succeeded  by  Major  Brom- 
field.  "  Who  commands  this  fort  ?"  asked  Bromfield,  as  he 
entered.  "  I  did,  but  you  do  now,"  answered  Ledyard,  pre 
senting  his  sword.  Seizing  the  weapon,  Bromfield  plunged 
it  into  the  bosom  of  his  prisoner.  The  example  was  followed 
by  his  men,  till  a  great  part  of  the  garrison  was  killed  or 
wounded.  After  burning  New  London,  and  committing 
various  other  outrages,  Arnold  returned  to  New  York. 

Washington  was  not  diverted  from  his  purpose,  but,  lead 
ing  on  his  army  with  all  possible  dispatch,  joined  La  Fay- 
ette's  division,  and  the  French  troops,  which  had  already 
disembarked  before  Yorktown.  The  command  of  the  latter 
was  assumed  by  the  Count  de  Rochambeau  [du  ro-shong- 
bo'].  On  the  28th  of  September  the  allied  armies  took  their 
respective  positions.  They  were  not  long  in  opening  their 


pose?  Give  an  account  of  Arnold's  expedition.  Of  the  massacre  at  Fort  Grtswold. 
With  whom  did  Washington's  army  effect  a  junction  ?  Who  took  command  of  tho 
French  ?  [See  Map.— On  what  river  were  Cornwallis's  works  ?  What  part  of  the  Amer- 


17 8l]  CORNWALLI8   ATTEMPTS   TO   ESCAPE.  295 

batteries.  Four  British  vessels  were  set  on  fire  in  the  har 
bor  by  a  fierce  discharge  of  red-hot  balls.  Two  redoubts  of 
the  enemy,  so  situated  as  to  harass  the  besiegers,  were  storm 
ed  and  carried,  one  by  the  Americans,  the  other  by  the 
French,  with  a  steady  courage  which  assured  Washington 
of  success.  The  best  feelings  prevailed  between  the  allied 
armies.  The  American  soldiers  cheerfully  sacrificed  their 
own  comfort  to  increase  that  of  their  comrades,  sleeping 
without  complaint  in  the  open  air  that  their  allies  might  be 
provided  with  tents. 

401.  Breaches  were  soon  made  in  the  British  works.     A 
desperate  sally,  at  first  successful,  proved  of  no  ultimate  ad 
vantage  ;  and,  as  the  batteries  of  the  besiegers  were  brought 
nearer  and  nearer,  all  hope  gradually  disappeared.     Corn- 
wallis  could  see  but  one  chance  of  escape,  and,  slender  as  it 
was,  he  resolved  to  try  it.     On  the  opposite  bank  of  the  York 
River  was  Gloucester  [glos'-ter]  Point  [see  Map,  p.  294], 
where  2,000  Frenchmen  lay  intrenched.     The  plan  of  the 
British  commander  was  to  destroy  his  baggage,  to  abandon 
his  sick  and  wounded,  to  transport  his  efficient  men  in  the 
silence  of  night  across  the  river,  to  force  a  passage  through 
the  French  lines,  to  mount  as  many  of  his  men  as  possible, 
and  make  his  way  by  forced  marches  to  Clinton. 

The  night  of  October  16th  was  selected  for  this  desperate 
attempt.  The  first  detachment  landed  on  the  Gloucester 
shore  in  safety ;  but  a  storm  set  in  with  such  fury  that  the 
boats  bearing  the  second  division  were  driven  down  the 
river.  The  wind  and  rain  continued  till  daylight,  and  it 
was  found  impossible  to  get  the  remainder  of  the  army 
across.  Those  who  had  landed,  after  being  exposed  to  the 
storm  for  hours,  were  brought  back  in  the  morning,  and  all 
expectation  of  escape  was  thenceforth  abandoned. 

402.  Perceiving  that  further  resistance  was 'useless,  and 

lean  line  did  La  Fayette  command  ?  What  American  generals  between  him  and  Wash- 
Ington  ?  What  French  gener.il  was  stationed  near  Washington  ?]  What  injury  was 
Inflicted  on  the  British  shipping?  What  assured  Washington  of  success?  What  evi 
dence  is  mentioned  of  the  good  feelings  of  the  Americans  towards  their  allies?  401. 
What  was  the  effect  of  the  fire  of  the  besiegers  ?  What  desperate  plan  was  formed  by 
Cornwaliis  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  attempt  402  To  what  was  Cornwallis  at  length 


296  SURRENDER   OF   CORNWALLIS.  [l781 

disappointed  in  the  hope  of  succor  from  Clinton,  Cornwallis 
on  the  1 7th  solicited  a  cessation  of  hostilities,  with  the  view 
of  surrendering.     The  terms  of  the  capitulation  were  set 
tled  at  the  house  of  a  _=_==s=o=s== 
Mr.  Moore,  near  York- 
town:  and  on  the  1 9th  m 
of  October,  the  land 
force,    artillery,     andg 
stores    were    surren 
dered  to  Washington  ;|j 
the  ships  and  seamen,  |f 
to   De   Grasse.     TheP 
whole  number  ofpris-| 
oners  was  7,015.    Du-; 
ring    the    siege,    the 
British  had  lost  552 
men  ;  the  allies  about  j 
300.  Eleven  thousand 

Americans   and   5,000  MOORE'S  HOUSK  NEAB  TOKKTOWH. 

Frenchmen  took  part  in  the  siege. 

The  scene  of  the  surrender  WSLS  imposing.  Thousands  ol 
patriots  assembled  from  the  surrounding  country  to  witness 
the  humiliation  of  that  ruthless  army  and  its  detested  com 
mander.  The  British  came  forth  gayly  dressed,  but  without 
flying  colors,  since  that  honor  had  been  denied  the  American 
army  on  its  surrender  at  Charleston.  Cornwallis  would  not 
appear,  but  sent  his  sword  by  Gen.  O'Hara.  Lincoln  was 
selected  by  Washington  to  receive  this  token  of  submission, 
as  a  solace  for  the  mortification  he  had  experienced  in  sur 
rendering  Charleston  the  preceding  year.  Twenty-eight 
standards  were  presented  to  American  sergeants  by  as  many 
British  captains.  The  soldiers  then  laid  down  their  arms, 
and  returned  to  their  quarters,  whence  they  were  subse 
quently  taken  to  Pennsylvania. 

forced?  "Where  were  the  terms  of  capitulation  settled  ?  "When  did  the  surrender  take 
place  ?  [See  Map. — Where  ?]  Mention  -what  the  Americans  gained  by  this  surrender. 
What  loss  was  sustained  on  each  side  during  the  siege?  How  many  Americans  and 
French  took  part  in  the  siege?  Describe  the  surrender.  Where  were  the  British 


178l]  HOW   THE   NEWS   WAS    RECEIVED.  297 

Notwithstanding  the  excesses  of  which  Cornwallis  and 
many  of  his  officers  had  been  guilty,  they  were  treated  with 
great  consideration  by  their  conquerors.  The  British  leader, 
however,  could  not  forget  his  humiliation.  On  one  occasion, 
when  he  was  standing  before  Washington  with  his  hat  off, 
the  latter  remarked,  "  My  lord,  you  had  better  be  covered 
from  the  cold."  "It  matters  not,  sir,"  replied  Cornwallis. 
raising  his  hand  to  his  brow,  "  it  matters  not  what  becomes 
of  this  head  now." 

403.  On  the  very  day  of  the  surrender,  Clinton  set  out 
from  New  York  for  the  relief  of  Cornwallis,  with  25  ships- 
of-the-line  and  7,000  of  his  best  men.     Off  the  coast  of  Vir 
ginia,  he  learned  to  his  dismay  that  he  was  too  late,  and  he 
could  only  retrace  his  course. 

404.  News  of  the  success  at  Yorktown  rapidly  spread 
through  the  country.     One  of  Washington's  aids  bore  the 
glad  tidings  to  Philadelphia.     Arriving  at  night,  he  proceed 
ed  at  once  to  the  house  of  the  president  of  Congress,  and 
knocked  so  loudly  that  a  watchman  was  on  the  point  of  ar 
resting  him  for  disturbing  the  peace.     He  was  forgiven, 
however,  on  announcing  his  joyful  news.    The  bell  of  the  old 
state-house  soon  pealed  forth  in  exulting  tones.     Some  were 
speechless  with  delight,  while  others  wept ;   and  the  aged 
door-keeper  of  Congress  died  from  excessive  joy.     Congress 
voted  the  highest  honors  to  all  who  had  aided  in  gaining 
this  important  victory.    Washington  celebrated  the  occasion 
by  releasing  those  who  were  under  military  arrest.    Reli 
gious  services  were  performed  in  the  several  brigades,  and 
the  troops  were  invited  to  unite  in  returning  thanks  to  that 
Divine  Power  who  had  crowned  their  labors  and  sufferings 
with  success. 

prisoners  eventually  taken  ?  How  were  the  officers  treated  ?  What  story  is  told  of 
Cornwallis  ?  403.  Give  an  account  of  Clinton's  unsuccessful  attempt  to  relieve  Corn 
wallis.  404  How -was  the  news  of  the  surrender  conveyed  to  Philadelphia  ?  How -was 
it  received  ?  To  whom  were  the  thanks  of  Congress  rendered  ?  How  did  Washington 
eehbrate  the  occasion  ? 

13* 


298 


END   OF   THE   REVOLUTIONARY   WAR. 


[1781 


CHAPTER   XX. 

END    OF   THE   REVOLUTIONARY   WAR. 

405.  SHORTLY  af 
ter  the  surrender  of 
Cornwallis,  Wash 
ington,  accompanied 
by  a  number  of  offi 
cers,  paid  a  visit  to 
his  mother  at  Fred- 
ericksburg,  Ya.  For 
six  years  she  had  not 
seen  him,  and  now  he 
returned  loaded  with 
honors.  A  ball  was 
given  by  the  citizens 
in  honor  of  their  vis 
itors,  which  the  ven 
erable  lady  attended. 
As  she  entered  the 
room,  leaning  on  the 

arm  of  her  illustrious  son,  her  dignity  of  mien  deeply  im 
pressed  all  who  were  present ;  and  La  Fayette,  on  the  ter 
mination  of  the  war,  would  not  leave  the  country  without 
bidding  a  last  adieu  to  the  mother  of  Washington. 

406.  The  days  of  trouble  were  not  yet  over.  Notwith 
standing  their  losses  in  America,  the  British  ministry  showed 
no  disposition  to  give  up  the  war ;  and  it  was  indispensable 
for  Congress,  if  it  would  maintain  the  advantages  already 
gained,  to  raise  and  support  an  army.  How  could  this  be 
done  with  an  empty  treasury  ?  It  was  only  by  unceasing 
exertions  that  Mr.  Morris  had  thus  far  maintained  the  credit 
of  the  nation  and  met  the  expenses  of  the  last  southern  cam 
paigns.  To  eke  out  his  scanty  means,  he  had  employed  an 

406.  Describe  Washington's  visit  to  his  mother.    406.  By  what  difficulties  was  Con- 
gress  besot  ?    By  whose  exertions  had  the  credit  of  Congress  been  sustained  ?    Tell  th« 


178!i]          THE    ENGLISH    PEOPLE   OPPOSE    THE    WAR.  299 

agent  to  accompany  Greene's  army,  without  the  general's 
knowledge.  Aware  of  the  sufferings  of  the  soldiers  from 
want  of  food  and  clothing,  he  knew  that  Greene  would  at 
once  spend  in  their  behalf  whatever  was  placed  in  his  hands., 
without  retaining  aught  for  future  emergencies.  He  directed 
his  agent,  therefore,  to  relieve  Greene  only  in  small  amounts 
and  when  his  difficulties  seemed  insurmountable.  Several 
times  was  the  army  thus  saved  from  dissolution,  the  myste 
rious  agent  disappearing  as  soon  as  he  had  placed  the  money 
on  the  table.  At  the  commencement  of  1782,  not  a  dollar 
remained  in  the  treasury.  The  states  were  called  upon  by 
Congress  to  contribute  $2,000,000,  but  made  no  response. 
Mr.  Morris  had  exhausted  all  the  means  at  his  command,  and 
was  so  discouraged  that  he  was  tempted  to  resign  his  office. 
407.  Lord  North,  George  Third's  prime  minister,  received 
the  news  of  Cornwallis'  surrender  "as  he  would  have  received 
a  cannon-ball  in  his  breast" ;  yet  both  he  and  the  king  obsti 
nately  determined  to  continue  the  war.  The  English  peo 
ple,  however,  heavily  taxed  for  its  support,  felt  differently. 
Burke,  Fox,  and  other  Parliamentary  leaders  vehemently 
opposed  any  further  efforts  to  reduce  America ;  and  early  in 
March,  1782,  the  House  of  Commons  passed  strong  resolu 
tions  against  the  war.  Lord  North  resigned,  and  a  ministry 
favorable  to  peace  succeeded.  Sir  Guy  Carleton  was  sent  to 
take* command  of  the  British  forces.  He  reached  New  York 
in  May,  and  made  propositions  to  the  American  authorities ; 
but  Washington,  finding  that  he  would  not  recognize  the  in 
dependence  of  the  United  States  and  was  prepared  to  treat 
with  them  only  as  revolted  colonies,  warned  the  people 
against  listening  to  his  offers.  Not  till  Grenville  was  sent 
to  Paris  with  full  powers  to  treat  with  France  and  America, 
was  any  well-grounded  hope  of  peace  entertained. 

Btory  about  Robert  Morris'  secret  agent  What  was  the  condition  of  the  treasury  at 
the  commencement  of  17S2?  What  response  did  the  states  make  to  the  demands  of 
Congress?  What  was  Mr.  Morris  tempted  to  do?  407.  How  did  Lord  North  receive 
the  news  of  Coruwallis'  surrender  ?  How  did  he  and  the  king  feel  ?  How,  the  people  ? 
What  resolutions  were  passed  in  March,  1782  ?  What  followed  ?  Who  was  sent  over  to 
command  the  British  army?  What  propositions  did  he  make?  How  were  ibey  met 
Vy  Wurbirsrton?  When,  at  length,  was  a  well-grounded  hope  of  peace  entertained  f 


300  END   OF   THE    REVOLUTIONARY    WAR.  [l783 

408.  As  soon  as  the  people  of  the  United  States  thought 
that  the  war  was  likely  to  end,  they  began  to  relax  their  ex 
ertions  and  to  demand  of  Congress  the  pay  justly  due  them 
for  past  services.  While  Washington  did  all  he  could  to 
soothe  their  discontent,  he  urged  upon  Congress  the  neces 
sity  of  meeting  their  engagements  to  those  who  had  served 
them  faithfully  in  the  hour  of  need.  The  British,  to  be  sure, 
had  ceased  offensive  operations ;  but  they  might  resume 
them  at  any  moment,  and  with  an  army  on  the  point  of  mu 
tiny  there  could  be  little  hope  of  successful  resistance.  The 
discontent  rose  to  its  greatest  height  in  the  spring  of  1782, 
in  the  camp  at  Newburg.  Nothing  but  their  love  of  Wash 
ington  restrained  the  army  from  asserting  their  rights  by 
violence ;  and  never  did  Washington  display  more  judgment 
than  in  dealing  with  the  disaffected  at  this  critical  period. 

In  May,  1782,  Washington  received  from  Col.  Nic'-o-la, 
through  whom  the  discontented  troops  generally  made  their 
complaints,  a  letter  setting  forth  the  belief  of  the  army  that 
Congress  was  neither  willing  nor  able  to  redress  their 
wrongs,  and  expressing  a  desire  to  place  their  beloved  chief, 
as  king,  at  the  head  of  the  nation.  This  offer  filled  Wash 
ington  with  grief  and  alarm.  He  rejected  it  without  hesita 
tion  ;  solemnly  declaring  that  the  reestablishment  of  royalty 
would  be  fatal  to  those  liberties  which  were  more  precious 
than  life. 

Winter  found  the  American  army  still  unemployed  at 
Newburg  and  New  Windsor.  In  February,  1783,  they 
again  sent  a  petition  to  Congress,  which  had  as  yet  done 
nothing  for  their  relief.  An  indefinite  answer  was  returned. 
Goaded  by  poverty,  the  officers,  who  were  almost  as  great 
sufferers  as  their  men,  authorized  one  of  their  number  to 
prepare  an  address,  advising  bolder  measures  and  calling  an 
assembly  of  the  soldiers  to  decide  upon  the  proper  course  of 
action.  Before  the  appointed  day,  Washington  convened 

408.  When  it  seemed  likely  that  the  war  would  terminate,  what  demands  were  made 
of  Congress?  What  advice  did  Washington  give  Congress?  Describe  the  disaffection 
in  the  camp  at  Newburg.  What  took  place  in  May,  17S2  ?  Where  did  the  array  spend 
the  winter  of  17S2-3  ?  What  dangerous  measure  was  resorted  to  by  some  of  the  officers  ? 


17S»]  DISBANDING    OF   THE   AMERICAN    ARMY.          •      301 

his  officers.  In  vivid  colors  he  depicted  the  impropriety  and 
danger  of  the  steps  they  proposed,  and  called  upon  them  to 
forbear  from  involving  him,  themselves,  and  their  country, 
in  one  common  ruin.  The  sympathizing  leader  who  had 
shared  all  their  hardships,  spoke  with  deep  feeling  and  was 
listened  to  in  silence.  At  the  close  of  his  remarks  he  retired; 
and  the  assembled  officers,  after  a  short  consultation,  decided 
to  follow  his  advice. 

409.  Meanwhile  the  negotiations  for  peace  were  progress 
ing  at  Paris.     John  Adams,  Benjamin  Franklin,  John  Jay, 
and  Henry  Laurens,  acted  in  behalf  of  the  United  States. 
They  obtained  from  Great  Britain  an  acknowledgment  01 
the  independence  of  their  country,  and  articles  of  peace  were 
signed  on  the  20th  of  January,  1 783.    Intelligence  of  the  fact 
was  received  by  Congress  hi  March,  and  was  hailed  with  re 
joicings.    The  sufferings  of  self-denying  patriots  during  eight 
years  of  hardship  were  thus  at  last  rewarded  with  that  price 
less  freedom  for  which  they  had  sighed,  struggled,  and  bled. 

410.  Washington  still  labored  to  relieve  the  immediate 
necessities  of  the  troops,  and  discharged  all  who  could  find 
the  means  of  returning  home.     Many  thus  left  without  tu 
mult,  although  their  claims  were  unsettled  and  they  had  not 
a  penny  in  their  pockets.     Only  one  company,  formed  of  re 
cent  levies  from  Pennsylvania,  created  any  serious  difficulty. 
Entering  Philadelphia,  they  marched  to  the  state-house,  and 
threatened  summary  vengeance  if  they  were  not  immediately 
paid.     After  a  few  hours  they  retired,  and  Washington  pre 
vented  a  repetition  of  the  violence  by  promptly  sending  a 
detachment  to  disperse  the  mutineers  and  arrest  their  ring 
leaders.     Notwithstanding  this  warning,  Congress  left  Mr. 
Morris  almost  entirely  to  his  own  resources.     Four  months' 
pay  for  the  army  was  all  that  his  utmost  exertions  could  raise. 

411.  In  August,  1783,  Sir  Guy  Carleton  received  orders  to 
evacuate  New  York.     The  loyalists,  fearing  to  stay  after  the 

How  did  Washington  avert  the  danger  ?  409.  Meanwhile,  what  was  going  on  at  Paris  ? 
Who  acted  for  the  United  States?  What  did  they  obtain  from  Great  Britain?  When 
were  articles  of  peace  signed?  Haw  was  the  news  received  ?  410.  Give  an  account  of 
the  disbanding  of  the  troops.  What  was  done  by  one  company?  How  much  pay  wa» 
raised  for  the  army?  411.  What  orders  were  -eceived  by  Carleton,  in  August,  1783 


302  END   OF   THE   REVOLUTIONARY   WAR.  [l783 

departure  of  the  army,  removed  as  rapidly  as  possible  to 
Nova  Scotia  and  elsewhere ;  and,  the  preliminary  arrange 
ments  having  been  made,  the  25th  of  November  (still  cele 
brated  in  New  York  as  "  evacuation  day")  was  fixed  on  for 
the  final  withdrawal  of  the  troops.  The  British  had  been  in 
possession  of  the  city  for  seven  years ;  and  during  that  time 
had  made  it  the  principal  receptacle  for  the  unfortunate 
Americans  who  fell  into  their  hands.  The  prison-ships  were 
moored  chiefly  in  ^-  -  r 

Wallabout  [icol'-la- 
bout]  Bay.  On  one 
of  these,  the  Jersey, 
a  thousand  men  were 
sometimes  confined. 
Their  food  consisted 
of  mouldy  bread, 
spoiled  meat,  and 
other  unwholesome 
and  refuse  articles.  THE  JEESEY  ™ISON-SHIP. 

Such  a  diet,  added  to  foul  air  and  want  of  exercise,  brought 
on  a  variety  of  diseases  which  swept  them  off  by  hundreds. 
Every  morning  the  command  was  heard,  "  Rebels,  bring  out 
your  dead."  The  bodies  of  the  deceased  were  carried  ashore 
and  buried  near  the  bay,  in  graves  so  shallow  that  they  were 
often  washed  bare  by  the  waves.  Twenty-five  years  after 
the  close  of  the  war,  some  patriotic  citizens  proposed  to 
gather  up  the  remains  of  the  prison-ship  martyrs,  and  have 
them  suitably  interred.  The  bones  of  11,000  men  were^  col 
lected,  and  followed  by  a  large  procession  to  a  vault  pre 
pared  for  their  reception  near  the  Brooklyn  Navy  Yard. 

On  the  25th  of  November,  the  British  troops  left  New 
York ;  and,  as  they  departed,  the  American  army,  with  Gen. 
Washington  and  his  aids,  Governor  Clinton,  and  many  for 
mer  citizens  of  the  place,  entered  from  the  north.  The  Brit- 

What  was  done  by  the  loyalists  ?  On  what  day  was  New  York  evacuated  ?  How 
long  had  the  British  held  the  city?  For  what  had  they  used  it?  How  were  those  on 
board  the  prison-ships  treated  ?  Where  were  they  buried  ?  What  was  afterwards  done 
with  their  remains?  Give  an  account  of  the  evacuation  of  New  York  and  the  raising 


1783]  WASHINGTON    RESIGNS    HIS   COMMISSION.  303 

ish  flag  had  been  left  flying  by  the  retreating  army.  It  wag 
nailed  to  the  flag-staff  of  Fort  George,  and  that  it  might  not 
be  taken  down  the  steps  leading  to  it  had  been  removed.  A 
boy,  however,  was  soon  seen  ascending  the  staff.  Nailing 
on  cleat  after  cleat  as  he  went  up,  he  reached  the  top,  and, 
amid  the  roaring  of  artillery  and  the  cheers  of  a  delighted 
people,  the  ensign  of  Britain  gave  place  to  the  stars  and 
Btripcs  of  the  young  republic. 

412.  On  the  4th  of  December,  Washington  took  leave  of 
his  officers,  who  assembled  at  his  quarters  to  hear  his  parting 
words.     It  was  an  affecting  scene.     All  that  they  had  done 
and  suffered  together,  all  that  they  had  hoped  and  feared, 
rushed  before  their  minds.     "  With  a  heart  full  of  love  and 
gratitude,"  said  Washington,  "  I  now  take  leave  of  you.     I 
most  devoutly  wish  that  your  latter  days  may  be  prosperous 
and  happy,  as  your  former  ones  have  been  glorious  and  hon 
orable.    I  can  not  come  to  each  of  you  to  take  my  leave,  but 
shall  be  obliged  if  each  of  you  will  come  and  take  me  by  the 
hand."     Gen.  Knox  stood  nearest,  and  turned  to  grasp  the 
hand  of  his  commander.     Their  emotions  were  too  deep  for 
utterance ;  not  a  word  was  spoken.     The  rest  followed,  with 
full  hearts  and  moistened  cheeks.     This  trying  scene  over, 
Washington  crossed  to  the  Jersey  shore,  and  thence  pro 
ceeded  to  Annapolis,  where  Congress  was  in  session. 

413.  At  Philadelphia  Washington  stopped  long  enough  to 
submit  to  the  comptroller  an  account  of  his  expenses  during 
the  war.     They  amounted  to  £11,311,  every  item  being  dis 
tinctly  entered  by  his  own  hand      On  the  1 9th  of  December 
[1783]   he   reached  Annapolis,  and   four   days  afterwards, 
before  a  full  meeting  of  Congress  and  in  the  presence  of 
numerous  spectators,  he  surrendered  his  commission.     An 
address  full  of  patriotic  sentiments  was  delivered  by  Wash 
ington,  to  which  Gen.  Mifflin,  then  president  of  Congress, 
replied  in  a  touching  and  affectionate  •  manner,  offering  the 

•f  the  American  flag.  412.  What  was  done  by  Washington,  December  4th  ?  Describe 
tho  parting  scene  between  Washington  and  his  officers.  When*  did  Washington  then 
proceed?  413.  What  did  Washington  do  at  Philadelphia?  How  large  a  bill  did  ha 
present?  Where  was  Congress  in  session?  When  did  Washington  reach  Aunapolia? 
Describe  what  took  place  on  his  surrender  of  hie  commission  to  Congress. 


304  FORMATION    OF   THE   CONSTITUTION.  [1783 

commander-in-chief  the  homage  of  a  grateful  nation,  and  in« 
yoking  on  his  head  the  blessing  of  the  Almighty.  It  was  a 
spectacle  seldom  witnessed — an  adored  chief,  with  royalty 
within  his  reach,  voluntarily  resigning  his  power  and  return 
ing  to  private  life. 


CHAPTER   XXI. 

FORMATION    OF   A   FEDERAL   CONSTITUTION. 

414.  THE  independence  of  the  United  States  was  now 
acknowledged  by  Great  Britain,  France,  Russia,  Sweden, 
Spain,  and  Denmark ;  but  it  was  still  questionable  whether 
it  could  be  maintained  amid  the  formidable  difficulties  with 
which  Congress  was  beset.     The  war  had  cost  $135,000,000  ; 
and  debts  were  still  outstanding,  to  foreign  governments  and 
unpaid  soldiers  and  officers,  to  the  amount  of  $40,000,000, 
on  which  Congress  was  not  even  able  to  meet  the  interest. 
The  states  refused  to  act  in  concert,  and  no  revenue  could 
be  collected  without  their  cooperation.     Unsupported,  baf 
fled,  and  even  censured,  Mr.  Morris  resigned  the  office  of 
superintendent  of  finance,  but  was  induced  to  continue  in 
the  discharge  of  its  duties  till  November  1,  1784,  when  a 
board  of  three  commissioners  was  appointed  to  succeed  him. 
Seldom  has  an  abler  financier  appeared  for  the  relief  of  a 
distressed  country.     Under  his  management,  the  expenses 
of  the  war  were  reduced  from  eighteen  to  four  millions  of 
dollars  a  year. 

415.  During  the  war  most  of  the  states  had  remodelled 
their  constitutions.     Their  forms  of  government  were  now 
strictly  republican,  and  bore  a  general  resemblance  to  each 
other.     The  privilege  of  voting  was  extended  to  every  citi 
zen,  except,  in  several  states,  such  as  were  not  possessed  of  a 

414.  What  countries  had  now  acknowledged  the  independence  of  the  United  States? 
What  difficulties  environed  Congress?  What  was  done  by  Robert  Morris ?  By  whom 
was  he  succeeded  ?  What  is  said  of  Mr.  Morris  ?  415.  During  the  war,  what  had  been 
done  by  most  of  the  states  ?  What  is  said  of  their  forms  of  government  f  Mention 


1784J  DIFFICULTY    WITH    ENGLAND.  305 

certain  amount  of  property.  The  common  law  of  England 
prevailed,  except  when  modified  by  special  enactments.  As 
a  general  thing,  religious  liberty  was  allowed.  The  affairs 
of  each  state  were  regulated  by  a  governor  and  two  houses 
of  delegates,  chosen  by  the  people.  The  different  members 
of  the  confederacy  were  thus  entirely  independent  of  each 
other;  and  now,  that  the  war  was  over,  jealousies  began 
unfortunately  to  arise  between  them.  A  want  of  union  at 
home  prevented  the  nation  from  being  respected  abroad. 
It  was  obvious  that  the  power  of  Congress  was  but  nominal. 

416.  Hardly  had  the  war  terminated  when  complaints  were 
made  in  England  that  debts  due  from  American  citizens  could 
not  be  collected.  Congress,  having  no  power  to  enforce 
their  payment,  could  only  refer  the  claimants  to  the  indi 
vidual  states.  The  latter  alleged  that  the  British  armies  had 
carried  off  many  slaves  from  the  American  people,  and  that 
not  until  these  were  restored  could  the  debts  in  question  be 
justly  claimed.  There  were  also  other  causes  of  difficulty, 
which  threatened  to  lead  to  a  renewal  of  the  war.  The 
whole  western  frontier  suffered  much  from  the  incursions  of 
Indians,  instigated,  it  was  believed,  by  the  British,  and  fur 
nished  with  arms  and  ammunition  at  the  posts  still  remain 
ing  in  their  hands  in  the  west. 

In  1785,  John  Adams  was  appointed  minister  plenipoten 
tiary  to  the  court  of  Great  Britain  (or  St.  James,  as  it  is 
called),  and  was  there  introduced  to  the  king  whom  he  had 
so  long  and  successfully  opposed.  George  III.  received  him 
kindly,  and  assured  him  that  though  he  had  been  the  last  to 
agree  to  the  separation  of  the  United  States,  he  would  be 
among  the  first  to  meet  their  friendship  as  an  independent 
power.  Mr.  Adams  labored  hard  at  London  to  obtain  a  fair 
commercial  treaty  for  his  country,  but  without  success.  The 
heavy  duty  laid  by  Great  Britain  on  the  productions  of 

some  of  their  provisions.  What  feelings  began  to  arise  between  the  several  states? 
What  was  the  effect  abroad  of  this  want  of  union?  416.  Soon  after  the  conclusion  of 
peace,  what  complaints  were  made  by  England  ?  How  were  these  claims  met  by  Con 
gress?  How,  by  the  individual  states  ?  What  other  cause  of  difficulty  was  there  ?  Who 
was  appointed  minister  to  the  court  of  St.  James?  How  was  Adams  received  by  tho 
King  ?  What  did  he  try  to  obtain  ?  With  what  success  ?  What  kept  tho  productions 


306  FORMATION    OF   THE   CONSTITUTION.  [l788 

America  kept  them  comparatively  out  of  market,  to  the  great 
injury  of  its  merchants  and  farmers. 

417.  Various  causes  combined  to  render  the  condition  of 
the  Americans  distressing  in  the  extreme.     They  had  hoped 
for  an  immediate  immigration  from  Europe,  and  a  propor 
tionate  increase  in  the  value  of  their  lands  ;  but  in  this  they 
were  disappointed.     All  kinds  of  business  were  in  a  state  of 
depression,  and  the  energies  as  well  as  the  resources  of  the 
country  seemed  exhausted.     In  the  midst  of  these  embarrass 
ments,  the  people  were  loaded  with  heavy  taxes  for  the  sup 
port  of  government.      Open  threats  of  rebellion  were  the 
consequence  ;  and  in  Massachusetts,  1,500  men  took  up  arms. 
In  December,  1786,  while  the  Supreme  Court  was  in  session 
at  Springfield,  Daniel  Shays,  who  had  been  a  captain  in  the 
Revolution,  took  command  of  the  insurgents,  seized  on  the 
court-house,  and  compelled  the  judges  to  retire.     Gov.  Bow- 
doin  [bo'-den]  called  out  the  militia,  and  intrusted  their  com 
mand  to  Gen.  Lincoln.     By  a  vigorous  course  the  rebellion 
was  suppressed.     Fourteen  of  the  ringleaders  were  taken 
and  condemned  to  death,  but  afterwards  pardoned.     Quiet 
was  thus  restored,  but  all  true  friends  of  their  country  were 
filled  with  gloomy  apprehensions.     The  need  of  a  stronger 
government  was  now  more  than  ever  apparent. 

418.  Even  before  these  dangerous  movements,  the  defects 
of  the  "  articles  of  confederation"  had  been  generally  felt. 
In  January,  1786,  the  legislature  of  Virginia  had  proposed  a 
convention  of  delegates  from  the  several  states  to  regulate 
the  commercial  relations  of  the  country ^     In  the  following 
September,  delegates  from  five  states  met  at  Annapolis ;  but, 
feeling  that  in  so  important  a  work  every  state  should  be 
represented,  they  adjourned  after  recommending  Congress 
to  call  a  general  convention.     Their  suggestion  was  acted 
on,  and  representatives  from  every  state  except  Rhode  Isl 
and  assembled  at  the  state-house  in  Philadelphia,  in  May, 

«f  America  out  of  the  English  market?  417.  Describe  the  state  of  affairs  in  America. 
What  provoked  serious  discontent  in  the  people  ?  How  was  this  feeling  manifested  in 
Massachusetts?  Give  an  account  of  Shay's  rebellion.  418.  What  had  been  felt  with 
respect  to  the  articles  of  confederation  ?  What  recommendation  was  made  by  the  legis 
lature  of  Virginia  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  convention  held  in  September,  1786.  What 


1787]       HAMILTON    PLEADS   FOR   THE   CONSTITUTION. 


307 


THE  OLD  STATE-HOUSE  (INDEPENDENCE   HALL)   AT  PHILADELPHIA. 

1787.  George  Washington  was  elected  president,  and  the 
members  generally  were  men  of  distinguished  ability  and 
patriotism.  This  body  remained  in  session  with  closed  doors 
over  three  months,  and  produced  that  glorious  Constitu 
tion,  which  was  the  origin  of  our  prosperity,  and  is  still  our 
pride  as  a  nation. 

419.  No  sooner  was  the  constitution  presented  to  the  peo 
ple  than  it  was  severely  criticized,  and  in  some  quarters  op 
posed.  It  was  impossible  to  suit  all :  here  one  point  was 
denounced,  and  there  another.  Every  objection,  however, 
was  ably  answered  by  Madison,  Jay,  and  Hamilton,  who 
maintained  that  local  interests  should  give  way  to  the  great 
est  good  of  the  greatest  number.  Their  arguments  pre 
vailed.  Within  a  year  the  instrument  was  ratified  by  a  ma 
jority  of  the  states.  In  New  York  it  met  with  little  favor, 
Alexander  Hamilton  being  almost  its  only  advocate  hi  the 
convention  with  which  its  adoption  or  rejection  rested.  But 
Hamilton  was  a  host,  and  he  threw  himself  into  the  cause 
with  all  his  powers.  Just  before  the  vote  was  to  be  taken, 
he  rose,  and  in  a  speech  of  three  hours  pleaded  most  forcibly 

took  place  in  May,  1787?  Who  was  chosen  president  of  the  convention  ?  What  was 
the  character  of  its  members  ?  How  long  did  it  remain  in  session  ?  What  was  the 
result  of  its  labors?  419.  How  was  the  constitution  received?  By  whom  were  tho 
objections  brought  against  it  answered  ?  How  was  it  received  by  a  majority  of  tho 
tlates?  How,  in  New  York?  Give  an  account  of  Hamilton's  efforts  in  its  bohall 


308  FORMATION    OF   THE   CONSTITUTION.  [l788 

for  its  adoption.  His  opponents  objected  to  the  question's 
being  put  immediately  after  such  a  speech.  The  House  ad 
journed  till  the  following  day  ;  but  that  burning  eloquence 
was  not  forgotten,  and  New  York  pronounced  in  favor  of 
the  constitution,  July  26,  1788.  North  Carolina  and  Rhode 
Island  remained  for  a  time  undecided,  but  they  also  finally 
accepted  it. 

420.  The  constitution  thus  originally  adopted  has  received 
some  few  additions  and  amendments.  Its  chief  points  should 
be  familiar  to  every  student  of  his  country's  history.  They 
are  as  follows : — 

THE  LEGISLATIVE  POWER  of  the  government  is  vested  in 
a  Congress  consisting  of  two  houses,  known  as  the  Senate 
and  the  House  of  Representatives.  The  senate  is  composed 
of  two  members  from  each  state,  elected  by  the  respective 
legislatures  for  a  term  of  six  years.  Vacancies  occasioned 
by  death  or  resignation  during  the  recess  of  the  legislature 
of  any  state,  are  temporarily  filled  by  the  governor  till  the 
legislature  reassembles.  The  terms  are  so  arranged  that 
but  one-third  of  them  expire  at  the  same  time,  so  that  two- 
thirds  of  the  body  are  always  experienced  members.  No 
person  can  be  a  senator  that  has  not  attained  the  age  of 
thirty,  and  been  nine  years  a  citizen  of  the  United  States. 
The  vice-president  of  the  United  States  is  president  of  the 
senate,  but  has  only  a  casting  vote.  All  impeachments  are 
tried  before  this  body. 

The  house  of  representatives  is  composed  of  members 
chosen  by  the  people  every  second  year.  Each  state  has  a 
certain  number  proportioned  to  its  population ;  the  territories 
have  one  delegate  each.  A  representative  must  have  attain 
ed  the  age  of  twenty-five,  and  been  seven  years  a  citizen  of 
the  United  States.  When  a  vacancy  occurs,  a  new  election 
by  the  people  takes  place  on  the  governor's  call.  The  house 
chooses  its  own  Speaker,  and  has  the  sole  power  of  finding 

420.  In  whom  is  the  legislative  power  vested  by  the  constitution  ?  Of  whom  is  tbe 
senate  composed  ?  How  are  vacancies  in  the  senate  filled  ?  How  are  the  terms  ar 
ranged?  What  is  the  requisite  age  fora  senator?  Who  is  president  of  the  senate? 
In  what  case  has  he  a  vote?  What  are  tried  before  the  senate?  Of  whom  does  the 
house  of  representatives  consist  ?  What  are  the  requisites  for  filling  this  office  ?  How 


1788]  POWERS   OF   CONGRESS.  309 

impeachments.  [The  term  speaker  is  borrowed  from  the 
English  House  of  Commons ;  and  the  presiding  officer  is  so 
called  because  it  is  through  him  that  the  house  speaks,  or 
communicates  with  the  other  branches  of  the  legislature.] 

Congress  meets  every  year  at  the  national  capital  on  the 
first  Monday  in  December.  The  members  are  paid  from  the 
public  treasury  [$3,000  a  year],  and  are  privileged  from 
arrest  for  all  offences  except  treason,  felony,  and  breach  of 
the  peace,  while  attending  a  session  of  their  respective  houses, 
or  on  their  way  to  or  from  such  a  session.  .  No  person  can 
at  the  same  time  be  a  member  of  either  House  and  hold 
office  under  the  United  States.  Congress  has  power  to  col 
lect  taxes  and  duties ;  to  borrow  money  on  the  credit  of  the 
United  States ;  to  regulate  foreign  commercial  relations ;  to 
establish  laws  respecting  naturalization  and  bankruptcy  ;  to 
coin  money  and  provide  a  punishment  for  counterfeiting ;  to 
fix  the  standard  of  weights  and  measures;  to  establish  post- 
offices  ;  to  grant  authors  and  inventors  exclusive  privileges 
by  copyrights  and  patents ;  to  declare  war  ;  to  raise  armies 
and  maintain  a  navy  ;  to  provide  for  organizing  the  militia ; 
to  make  laws  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  or  any  other  tract 
that  may  become  the  seat  of  government ;  &c.,  &c.  Bills 
for  appropriating  money  must  originate  in  the  house  of  rep 
resentatives,  but  may  be  amended  or  rejected  by  the  senate. 
A  bill  passed  by  a  concurrent  vote  of  the  two  houses  of  Con 
gress,  before  it  can  become  a  law,  must  be  signed  by  the 
president  of  the  United  States ;  if  he  vetoes  it  (that  is,  re 
turns  it  unsigned  with  his  objections),  it  is  null  and  void  un 
less  passed  by  two-thirds  of  both  houses. 
A.THE  EXECUTIVE  POWER  of  the  government  is  vested  in  a 
Present,  who  holds  his  office  for  four  years,  and  who,  with 
the  Vice-President,  is  thus  elected.  The  people  of  each  state 
[in  South  Carolina,  the  legislature]  choose  as  many  Electors 

are  vacancies,  filled?  What  power  is  confined  to  this  house?  Whence  is  the  term 
speaker  derived  ?  Why  is  the  presiding  officer  so  called  ?  How  often  does  Consrresa 
meet?  When  ?  How  are  the  members  paid ?  What  privilege  do  they  enjoy  ?  What 
is  forbidden  to  the  members  of  both  houses?  Mention  the  powers  vested  in  Congress. 
Where  must  bills  appropriating  money  originate  ?  What  power  has  the  senate  over 
them?  What  is  necessary  before  a  bill  can  become  a  law?  In  whom  is  the  executive 


310  PROVISIONS    OF   THE   CONSTITUTION.  [1788 

as  they  have  senators  and  representatives  in  Congress.  These 
electors  meet  in  their  respective  states,  and  ballot  for  a 
president  and  vice-president.  A  record  of  the  votes  is  made 
and  transmitted  sealed  to  the  seat  of  government ;  where 
they  are  opened  in  the  presence  of  the  senate  and  the  house 
of  representatives.  The  person  who  has  a  majority  of  the 
electoral  votes  becomes  president.  If  there  is  no  majority, 
the  election  goes  to  the  house  of  representatives ;  in  that 
case,  the  members  from  each  state  cast  one  vote,  and  a  ma 
jority  of  the  states  elects.  The  president  of  the  United 
States  must  be  a  native  citizen  and  thirty-five  years  of  age, 
and  must  have  resided  in  the  country  for  at  least  fourteen 
years. 

In  case  of  the  president's  death,  resignation,  removal  from 
office,  or  inability  to  discharge  its  duties,  the  vice-president 
takes  his  place  ;  and,  in  case  of  the  vice-president's  disabil 
ity,  the  president  of  the  senate  pro  tempore  officiates  as  pres 
ident.  The  president  is  commander-in-chief  of  the  army  and 
navy,  and  with  the  consent  of  the  senate  makes  treaties,  and 
appoints  ministers,  consuls,  judges  of  the  supreme  court,  and 
other  officers.  [The  salary  of  the  president  is  $25,000  a  year; 
that  of  the  vice-president,  $8,000.] 

THE  JUDICIAL  POWER  of  the  United  States  is  vested  in 
"  one  supreme  court,  and  in  such  inferior  courts  as  Congress 
may  from  time  to  time  order  and  establish".  The  judges 
of  the  Supreme  Court  hold  office  during  good  behavior. 
Their  jurisdiction  extends  to  all  cases  arising  under  the  laws 
and  treaties  of  the  United  States ;  to  controversies  in  which 
different  states,  ambassadors,  ministers,  or  consuls,  are  con 
cerned,  &c. 

Due  provision  is  made  for  the  amendment  of  the,  consti 
tution,  whenever  two-thirds  of  both  houses  shall  deem  it 
necessary. 

power  vested?  Describe  the  manner  in  which  the  president  and  vice-president  arc 
chosen.  If  there  is  no  majority,  how  is  the  president  elected  ?  What  arc  the  requi 
sites  for  making  a  person  eligible  to  the  presidency?  In  case  of  the  president's  death 
or  disability,  who  takes  bis  place  ?  What  is  done  in  case  of  the  vice-president's  disabil 
ity?  What  are  the  salaries  of  these  officers?  What  powers  are  vested  in  the  presi 
dent?  In  whom  is  the  judicial  power  vested?  How  long  do  the  judges  bold  office? 


1788]  THE   NORTHWEST   TERRITORY.  311 

421.  About  the  time  of  the  framing  of  the  constitution, 
Congress,  having  obtained  from,  several  of  the  states  a  ces 
sion  of  large  tracts  in  the  west,  included  in  their  charters 
but  still  unsettled,  organized  the  region  bounded  by  the 
Ohio,  the  Mississippi,  the  great  lakes,  and  Pennsylvania,  into 
"  the  Northwest  Territory". 

To  what  does  their  Jurisdiction  extend  ?    When  may  tho  constitution  bo  amended  ? 
421.  What  waa  done  by  Congress  in  1787? 


PART   IV. 

CONSTITUTIONAL  PERIOD, 

FROM    THE    ORGANIZATION    OF    A    GOVERNMENT    UNDER 

THE  FEDERAL  CONSTITUTION,   A.   D.   1789, 

TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME. 


CHAPTER   I. 

WASHINGTON'S  ADMINISTRATION,  1789-1797. 

422.  ON  the  14th  of  April,  1789,  Washington  received  an 
official  announcement  that  he  had  been  unanimously  elected 
president  of  the  United  States  under  the  new  constitution. 
Two   days  afterwards   he  bade   adieu  to   Mount  Vernon 
and  set  out  for  New  York,  where  Congress  was  in  session. 
Official  receptions,  addresses,  and  triumphal  arches  awaited 
him  everywhere  on  the  route.     On  reaching  the  city,  he 
was  received  by  Gov.  Clinton  and  conducted  with  military 
honors,  in  the  midst  of  a  vast  concourse,  to  a  residence  which 
was  placed  at  his  disposal.     On  the  30th  of  April,  he  was 
inaugurated,  at  Federal  Hall,  on  the  site  of  the  present  Cus 
tom  House.     The  oath  of  office  was  administered  by  Chan 
cellor  Livingston,  on  the  balcony  in  front  of  the  Hall,  in  the 
presence  of  a  great  multitude.     Immediately  after  the  cere 
mony,  Washington  proceeded  to  the  senate-chamber,  and 
delivered  an  address  replete  with  exalted  sentiments. 

423.  John  Adams  had  been  elected  vice-president ;   and 
both  houses,  having  organized  a  few  weeks  before  the  inau- 

422.  Who*was  elected  first  president  under  th^new  constitution  ?  When  did  Wash 
ington  receive  the  announcement?  When  did  he  start  from  Mount  Vernon?  What  is 
said  of  his  journey  and  his  reception  in  New  York  ?  When  and  where  dffl  his  inaugu 
ration  take  place?  Describe  the  scene.  What  was  done  by  Washington  after  the  cerfl- 


17Sl>J        DIFFICULTIES    OF   THE   NEW    GOVEKNMENT.  313 

4    '^''^d          ,mi 


guration,  proceeded  to  busi 
ness.  They  found  many  dif 
ficulties  to  contend  with.  A 
strong  party  was  opposed  to  the  consti 
tution  and  the  new  government  formed 
under  it.  The  Spanish  authorities  had 
prohibited  Americans  from  navigating 
the  Mississippi.  The  people  of  the  west 
naturally  looked  to  this  river  as  their 
only  means  of  reaching  a  market ;  and,  that  they  might  not 
lose  the  advantages  it  offered,  some  of  the  frontier  settlers 
proposed  to  separate  from  the  republic  and  unite  with  the 
Spanish  territory  of  which  New  Orleans  was  the  metropolis. 
The  hostility  of  the  Indians,  who  had  not  as  yet  laid  aside 
the  tomahawk,  was  a  fruitful  source  of  anxiety.  These  were 

Diony?    423.  "Who  had  been  elected  vice-president?     Enumerate  the  difficulties  by 
vbich  the  new  government  was  embarrassed.    To  what  means  did  Congress  resort  for 

14 


314:  WASHINGTON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 

a  few  of  the  subjects  that  required  the  immediate  attention 
of  government,  added  to  which  was  the  ever-pressing  want 
of  money.  After  long  deliberation,  Congress  determined  to 
raise  a  revenue  by  laying  duties  on  the  tonnage  of  vessels 
and  all  imported  articles. 

424.  One  of  the  first  acts  of  Congress  was  to  create  three 
departments,  the  heads  of  which  were  known  as  the  Secre 
tary  of  Foreign  Affairs  (afterwards  Secretary  of  State),  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  and  the  Secretary  of  War.    These, 
together  with  the  Attorney-General,  were  to  act  as  advisers 
of  the  president,  constituting  what  was  called  his  Cabinet. 
Two  new  departments  have  since  been  created  (the  Navy 
and  the  Interior),  the  heads  of  which,  with  the  Postmaster 
General,  have  seats  in  the  cabinet.    The  secretaryship  of  state 
is  the  highest  cabinet  office ;  this  Washington  bestowed  on 
Thomas  Jefferson,  who  had  been  governor  of  Virginia  for 
two  years,  and  had  represented  his  country  at  the  French 
court  from  1784  to  1*789.     Alexander  Hamilton  was  made 
secretary  of  the  treasury.     Gen.  Knox,  who  had  been  at  the 
head  of  the  artillery  department  throughout  the  revolution, 
was  appointed  secretary  of  war,  and  Edmund  Randolph,  of 
Virginia,  attorney-general. 

425.  Having  directed  the  secretary  of  the  treasury  to  pre 
sent  at  the  next  session  some  plan  for  restoring  the  national 
credit,  Congress  adjourned  on  the  29th  of  September.    North 
Carolina  accepted  the  constitution  in  November. 

426.  The  president  was  at  first  overrun  with  visitors,  who 
made  serious  inroads  on  his  time.     He  goon  found  it  neces 
sary  to  appoint  a  fixed  hour  for  their  reception,  and  confine 
himself  at  other  times  to  his  official  duties.    Notwithstanding 
this  precaution,  he  was  compelled  to  labor  incessantly,  and 
during  the  first  year  of  his  presidency  was  twice  prostrated 
by  excessive  toil.     Soon  after  the  adjournment  of  Congress, 

raising  a  revenue?  424.  What  three  executive  departments  were  created  by  Congress? 
What  did  their  heads,  with  the  Attorney-General,  constitute?  What  departments  have 
Sinco  been  created  ?  Which  is  the  highest  cabinot  office  ?  On  whom  was  it  bestowed  ? 
Name  the  other  members  of  Washington's  cabinet  425.  When  did  Congress  adjourn  ? 
What  did  it  do  before  adjourning  ?  When  did  North  Carolina  accept  the  constitution  ? 
426.  How  did  Washington  prevent  his  time  from  being  consumed  by  visitors?  What  ia 


315 

he  set  out  on  a  visit  to  New  England,  and  was  received  by 
the  people  with  every  mark  of  aftection.  On  his  return  to 
New  York  he  learned  that  Gen.  Lincoln,  who  had  been  sent 
t<5  treat  with  the  Creeks  of  Georgia,  had  failed  in  his  at 
tempts.  The  Creek  chief,  at  the  head  of  2,000  warrief  s,  had 
met  the  American  commissioner;  but  suddenly  broke  off 
negotiations  and  refused  to  sign  a  treaty.  About  a  year 
afterwards,  the  attempt  was  repeated  with  success. 

^27.  Congress  had  imposed  upon  Hamilton  a  difficult  task. 
Amid  financial  embarrassments  of  every  kind,  it  was  required 
of  him  to  provide  a  revenue  for  the  government  and  to  revive 
its  credit.  But  his  genius  was  equal  to  the  work.  He  took 
the  true  ground,  that,  to  maintain  its  credit,  the  country  must 
pay  its  honest  debts.  This  principle  fortunately  prevailed  in 
Congress,  and  provision  was  made  for  the  gradual  payment 
of  854,000,000.  From  this  time  confidence  was  entertained 
in  the  integrity  of  the  government,  and  with  confidence  pros 
perity  returned.  Too  much  credit  cannot  be  given  to  the 
far-seeing  policy  of  Hamilton.  In  the  eloquent  language  of 
Webster,  "  He  smote  the  rock  of  the  national  resources  and 
abundant  streams  of  revenue  burst  forth.  He  touched  the 
dead  corpse  of  public  credit  and  it  sprang  upon  its  feet." 

428.  In  May,  1790,  Rhode  Island  adopted  the  constitution, 
and  the  confederacy  then  embraced  all  of  the  thirteen  origi 
nal  colonies. 

-4-  429.  The  insecurity  of  the  settlers  on  the  western  frontier 
early  engaged  the  attention  of  Congress.  Emigrants  from 
the  Atlantic  states  had  already  penetrated  to  various  points 
in  the  valleys  of  the  Ohio  and  the  Mississippi.  In  1769, 
Daniel  Boone,  a  bold  hunter  of  North  Carolina  with  five 
enterprising  men  like  himself,  explored  the  wilds  of  what  in 
now  called  Kentucky.  Boone  afterwards  returned  and  led 
a  larger  party  to  the  fruitful  region  where  he  had  determined 

caid  of  the  labor  required  of  him  ?  How  was  he  received  on  his  visit  to  New  England  ? 
Qivo  an  account  of  the  attempts  of  the  United  States  to  negotiate  with  the  Creeks, 
487.  What  is  said  of  the  task  required  of  Hamilton  ?  What  ground  did  he  take  ?  What 
measure  of  Congress  secured  the  confidence  of  the  country  ?  What  does  Webster  say  ol 
Hamilton?  428.  In  May,  1790,  what  took  place?  429.  What  early  engaged  the  atten 
tion  of  Congress?  Give  an  account  of  early  explorations  and  settlements  in  Kentucky. 


316  WASHINGTON'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [ITSO 

to  spend  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Hunting  and  trapping  in 
luxuriant  forests,  living  on  what  their  rifles  afforded,  sleeping 
in  cane-brakes,  fighting  and  flying  from  the  Indians  by  turns, 
now  captured  and  anon  escaping,  this  little  band,  increased 
from  ftme  to  time  by  new-comers,  underwent  a  variety  of 
adventures  that  seem  more  like  the  fictions  of  romance  than 
the  truths  of  history.  The  natives,  ever  averse  to  encroach 
ments  on  their  domains,  maintained  a  perpetual  warfare, 
which  required  untiring  vigilance  on  the  part  of  the  whites. 
The  great  chief  Pontiac  had  fallen ;  but  Little  Turtle,  a  fa 
mous  Miami  warrior,  was  ever  ready  when  a  blow  was  to  be 
struck  at  the  hated  pale-face. 

430.  When  Great  Britain  gave  up  the  war  in  1783,  the 
western  tribes  under  Little  Turtle  resolved  to  continue  it. 
A  party  of  unprincipled  men  had  shortly  before  murdered 
some  Indians  who  had  been  converted  by  Moravian  mission 
aries  and  had  taken  no  part  in  the  war.  Thirsting  for  ven 
geance,  the  Ohio  tribes  carried  devastation  far  and  wide, 
putting  to  death  their  prisoners  with  cruel  tortures.  The 
whites,  though  they  had  now  become  more  numerous  and 
powerful,  were  hardly  strong  enough  to  repel  the  fierce  Al- 
gonquins.  In  August,  1782,  a  party  of  savages  appeared  be 
fore  Bryan  Station,  five  miles  from  Lexington,  Kentucky,  and 
tried  to  draw  the  garrison  out  from  their  log  defences.  Fail 
ing  in  this,  they  pretended  to  depart ;  but  the  old  hunters, 
skilled  in  all  the  artifices  of  Indian  warfare,  felt  sure  that  they 
were  lying  in  ambush  near  the  fort.  At  this  critical  time 
their  water  gave  out,  and  it  was  necessary  to  obtain  a  fresh 
supply.  The  spring  was  a  short  distance  off,  near  a  thicket 
of  trees  and  bushes  in  which  it  was  supposed  the  savages 
were  concealed.  If  the  men  went  out,  it  was  almost  certain 
they  would  be  shot  down  and  a  rush  made  for  the  fort ;  but 
it  was  thought,  if  the  women  went  to  the  spring,  the  enemy 
would  refrain  from  firing  and  wait  for  a  more  favorable  op 
portunity.  The  heroic  women  of  the  fort  undertook  the  per- 

What  is  said  of  the  adventures  of  Boone  and  his  comrades?  How  did  the  natives  feel 
towards  them  ?  What  chief  was  ever  ready  to  strike  a  blow  at  the  whites  ?  430.  What 
did  the  western  tribes  do  in  1783  ?  What  provocation  had  they  shortly  before  received  ? 


1789J 


SETTLEMENTS    IN    OHIO.  317 

.^^^N^^^i^fe 


HKKOISM   OF  THE   WOMEN   OF   BBYAN   STATION,  KY. 

ilous  task.  Going  carelessly  to  the  spring,  as  if  they  suspected 
nothing,  they  filled  their  vessels  and  bore  them  back  to  the 
fort.  Five  hundred  rifles  were  aimed  at  them  while  they 
were  dipping  up  the  water,  but  not  one  was  fired.  The 
shrewd  pioneers  of  the  wilderness  had  judged  Indian  char 
acter  aright.  The  next  day  the  surrender  of  the  fort  was 
demanded ;  but  a  spirited  refusal  was  returned,  and  no  fur 
ther  attempts  were  made  on  its  brave  defenders. 

431.  Congress  having  purchased  of  the  Indians  a  large 
tract  north  of  the  Ohio,  a  new  impetus  was  given  to  emi 
gration.  In  1788,  a  party  of  New  Englanders  commenced 
the  first  permanent  settlement  in  Ohio  at  Marietta.  In  the 
same  year,  Matthias  Demnan  bought  the  land  on  which  the 
city  of  Cincinnati  stands.  With  the  aid  of  a  school-master 
he  laid  out  a  town  there,  the  first  log  hut  being  built  in 
December,  1789,  on  what  is  now  the  corner  of  Main  and 
Front  streets. 

How  was  this  injury  avenged  ?  Tell  what  happened  at  Bryan  Station.  431.  What  gave 
a  new  impetus  to  emigration  ?  Give  un  account  of  the  first  permanent  settlement  in 
Ohio.  What  was  the  origin  of  Cincinnati  ?  What  occasioned  great  anxiety  to  Wash- 


318  WASHINGTON'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [1790 

The  exposed  condition  of  these  important  settlements  in 
the  Ohio  valley,  as  well  as  the  intrigues  of  the  Spaniards, 
who  were  trying  to  detach  the  West  from  the  Union,  was  a 
source  of  great  anxiety  to  both  Washington  and  Congress. 
Gen.  St.  Clair,  a  Revolutionary  officer  of  high  character,  was 
appointed  first  governor  of  the  Territory;  and  a  fort  (named 
after  Washington)  was  erected  within  the  present  limits  of 
Cincinnati,  on  a  spot  where  the  aboriginal  mound-builders 
had  constructed  one  of  their  vast  works.  In  purchasing  the 
tract  referred  to,  great  care  had  been  taken  to  get  the  sanc 
tion  of  all  the  tribes  supposed  to  have  an  interest  in  it ;  but 
others  who  had  not  signed  the  treaty  afterwards  claimed  to 
be  part  owners  of  the  land,  and  assumed  so  threatening  a 
tone  that  Congress  had  no  alternative  but  war.  In  the  fall 
of  1790,  1,400  men,  ill  disciplined  and  poorly  equipped,  were 
sent  under  Gen.  Harmer  against  the  Miami  villages,  on  the 
present  site  of  Fort  Wayne,  Ind.  They  reached  their  desti 
nation  in  safety,  and  the  fields  of  the  Miamis  were  devastated. 
Harmer  then  divided  his  army  into  detachments,  for  the  pur 
suit  of  the  scattered  Indians.  One  of  these  was  soon  defeated 
by  Captain  Wells,  a  Kentuckian,  who  had  been  carried  off  by 
the  savages  when  a  boy  and  was  now  one  of  their  chiefs ; 
another  was  led  into  an  ambuscade  by  Little  Turtle,  and  cut 
to  pieces.  The  remains  of  the  unfortunate  army  with  diffi 
culty  made  their  way  back  to  Fort  Washington. 

432.  The  news  of  Harmer's  reverses  produced  general  dis 
satisfaction  ;  and  the  president  hastened  to  send  a  more  effi 
cient  army  into  the  wilderness.  Gen.  St.  Clair  was  selected 
as  its  leader.  Advancing  gradually  into  the  enemy's  coun 
try,  he  found  himself  on  the  3d  of  November,  1791,  encamped 
with  1,400  men  near  a  branch  of  the  Wabash  at  a  place  after 
wards  called  Fort  Recovery.  The  Indians  were  in  strong 
force  near  at  hand,  and  that  very  night  held  a  council  to  de 
cide  upon  their  course.  Their  leading  spirit  was  Little  Turtle, 

ington  and  Congress  ?  Who  was  appointed  first  governor  of  the  North  West  Territory? 
What  fort  was  erected  ?  What  claims  were  soon  raised  ?  What  was  Congress  compelled 
to  do?  Give  an  account  of  Harmer's  expedition.  432.  What  was  the  consequence  ol 
Harmer's  reverses  ?  Who  was  selected  aa  his  successor  ?  Where  did  St.  Clair  find  him- 


iroij  ST.  CLAIK'S  DEFEAT.  319 

an  impassioned  orator,  a  fearless  warrior,  six  feet  in  height, 
of  muscular  frame,  dignified  manners,  stern  features,  and  for 
bidding  expression.  He  was  at  this  time  forty-five  years  old, 
and  dressed  in  the  most  imposing  style  of  Indian  display,  at 
least  twenty  ounces  of  silver  ornaments  hanging  from  his 
nose  and  ears.  In  the  dusky  circle  round  the  council-fire, 
this  wily  savage  presented  a  well-digested  plan  for  surprising 
the  American  army,  and  with  fiery  eloquence  persuaded  his 
brother  chieftains  to  adopt  it. 

Three  hours  before  daylight  on  the  4th  of  November  the 
American  army  was  paraded  under  arms,  and  about  sunrise 
it  was  dismissed  to  make  preparations  for  an  immediate  march 
against  the  Indian  villages.  While  the  men  were  thus  en 
gaged,  a  single  rifle  was  heard  in  front,  and  the  next  moment 
a  deadly  fire  was  poured  in  on  all  sides.  The  militia,  who 
were  posted  in  front,  rushed  through  the  ranks  of  the  regu 
lars  ;  but  the  latter  kept  their  ground  and  returned  as  well 
as  they,  could,  yet  with  little  effect,  the  fire  of  their  unseen 
enemies.  St.  Clair,  though  enfeebled  by  disease,  made  every 
effort  to  save  his  men.  Borne  hither  and  thither  on  his  lit 
ter,  wherever  the  contest  raged  most  fiercely,  he  gave  his 
orders  with  coolness  and  judgment,  and  directed  vigorous 
charges  to  be  made  at  different  points.  For  a  moment,  suc 
cess  followed  these  efforts ;  but  the  whoop  of  the  fearless 
chief  would  be  heard,  echoed  by  a  thousand  voices,  and  the 
Red  Men  would  press  on  more  fiercely  than  before.  Terri 
ble  havoc  was  made,  and  it  became  evident  that  a  timely 
retreat  alone  could  save  the  army  from  total  destruction. 
An  impetuous  charge  was  made  by  Col.  Darke,  with  such 
spirit  that  the  Indians  were  obliged  to  fall  back,  and  through 
the  open  space  thus  gained  the  sad  remnant  of  the  devoted 
army  rushed  in  a  hasty  retreat.  Gen.  St.  Clair  was  assisted 
to  mount  one  of  the  few  remaining  horses,  and  followed  his 
flying  regiments.  The  news  of  this  disastrous  overthrow 


aetf,  November  3d,  1791  ?  What  was  done  by  the  Indians  that  same  night?  Give  an 
account  of  their  council.  Describe  Little  Turtle.  What  decision  was  arrived  at? 
What  was  the  state  of  things  in  the  American  camp  the  next  morning?  What  was 
Suddenly  heard  ?  How  did  the  militia  behave  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle.  How 


320 

appalled  the  whole  nation,  and  called  forth  again  loud  clam 
ors  from  those  who  opposed  the  government.  A  third  ex 
pedition  became  necessary ;  and,  determined  that  it  should 
have  a  capable  leader,  Washington  gave  the  command  to 
Gen.  Wayne,  the  "mad  Anthony"  of  the  Revolution. 

*433.  Meantime  Congress  was  still  occupied  with  financial 
matters.  The  business  community  labored  under  discour 
aging  embarrassments,  for  which  a  uniform  currency,  enjoy, 
ing  the  confidence  of  the  people,  seemed  to  promise  the  only 
remedy.  To  create  this,  Hamilton  projected  a  national  bank, 
which  was  chartered  by  Congress  in  March,  1791,  under  the 
name  of  the  Bank  of  the  United  States.  It  was  located  at 
Philadelphia,  which  had  become  the  seat  of  government,  had 
a  capital  of  $10,000,000,  and  was  empowered  to  issue  bills, 
discount  notes,  and  receive  deposits.  The  beneficial  effects 
of  this  institution  on  all  kinds  of  business  were  immediately 
felt. 

434.  As  we  have  seen,  a  strong  party  had  from  the  out 
set  opposed  the  constitution.  Their  chief  argument  against 
it  was  that  it  gave  too  much  power  to  the  general  govern 
ment,  and  limited  that  of  the  individual  states.  This  party, 
which  embraced  Jefferson  and  other  distinguished  patriots, 
soon  became  known  as  "  Republicans",  "  Democrats",  or 
"  States'  Rights  Men",  in  opposition  to  the  "  Federalists", 
as  those  were  called  who  approved  of  a  strong  central  gov 
ernment.  Hamilton  was  one  of  the  strongest  federalist  lead 
ers,  and  his  measures,  particularly  those  relating  to  the  bank 
and  the  collection  of  the  revenue,  were  severely  denounced 
by  his  opponents.  The  duty,  or  excise,  laid  on  domestic 
spirits  was  peculiarly  unpopular  in  Western  Pennsylvania ; 
and  public  meetings  were  held,  at  which  such  officers  as 

•was  a  retreat  made  good?  What  is  said  of  Gen.  St.  Clair  ?  What  followed  this  over 
throw  ?  What  was  resolved  on  ?  Who  was  intrusted  with  the  command  of  the  third 
expedition  ?  433.  What  still  occupied  the  attention  of  Congress?  What  seemed  to  be 
the  only  remedy?  What  was  projected  by  Hamilton?  When  was  the  Bank  of  the 
United  States  chartered  ?  Where  was  it  located  ?  What  was  its  capital  ?  What  wns  it 
empowered  to  do?  What  were  its  effects?  434.  What  objection  was  urged  against  I  ho 
constitution  ?  What  two  parties  were  formed  ?  What  distinguished  man  was  a  repub 
lican  ?  "Who  was  a  strong  federalist  leader?  What  measures  of  Hamilton  were  dfr- 
aounced?  What  measure  in  purticular  was  opposed  ?  Where?  What  steps  were  ta- 


1793]  THE    YELLOW    FEVER    BREAKS    OUT.  321 

should  attempt  to  collect  it  were  threatened  with  violence. 
Notwithstanding  the  warmth  of  party  feeling,  however, 
Washington,  whose  first  term  expired  March  4th,  1793,  waa 
unanimously  reflected.  Adams  was  also  rechosen  to  the 
vice-presidency.  Meanwhile,  New  York  having  surrendered 
her  claims  in  consideration  of  $30, 000,  Vermont  was  received 
into  the  Union  in  1791  ;  and  the  following  year  Kentucky 
became  a  member  of  the  confederacy. 

435.  In  August,  1793,  the  American  people  were  visited 
by  a  calamity  to  which  up  to  this  time  they  had  been  stran 
gers.     The  yellow  fever  broke  out  in  Philadelphia  with  such 
virulence  that  in  three  months  out  of  a  population  of  60,000 
no  less  than  4,000  perished.     The  terror  of  the  people  was 
unprecedented,  and  all  who  could  deserted  the  city.    Among 
those  who  remained  to  minister  to  the  sick,  was  Dr.  Benja 
min  Rush,  whose  treatment   of  the  disease  was  eminently 
successful.     This  illustrious  man  was  a  native  of  Pennsylva 
nia,  and  a  graduate  of  Edinburgh  University,  whence  he 
returned  to  practise  in  Philadelphia.     A  signer  of  the  Decla 
ration  of  Independence  and  a  medical  writer  whose  works 
are  still  studied  with  profit,  Dr.  Rush  was  distinguished  alike 
as  a  patriot  and  a  man  of  letters.     He  died  in  1813,  at  the 
age  of  72. 

436.  Hardly  had  the  country  recovered  from  the  alarm 
created  by  the  pestilence,  when  a  renewal  of  difficulties  in 
Western  Pennsylvania  produced  fresh  consternation.     The 
people,  there,  had  been   encouraged   to   open   insurrection 
by  the  course  of  Mr.  Ge-net',  the  agent  of  the  revolution 
ary  party  in  France,  whose  arrival  in  America   had  been 
the  signal  for  the  organization  of  democratic  societies  hostile 
to  government,  on  the  plan  of  the  Jacobin  clubs  of  Paris. 
It  was  agreed  among  the  disaffected  that  no  tax  should  be 
paid  on  whiskey.      The  U.  S.  Marshal  was  fired  upon,  the 

ken?  Who  were  the  successful  candidates  at  the  second  election  under  the  constitution? 
What  new  states  were  admitted  into  the  Union?  When?  435.  What  calamity  visited 
the  American  people  in  August,  1793?  Where  did  the  yellow  fever  break  out?  Giv« 
an  account  of  its  ravages.  Who  treated  the  disease  with  success  ?  What  is  said  of  Dr. 
Bush?  436.  By  what  troubles  was  the  yellow  fever  followed  ?  What  had  encouraged 
the  people  of  Western  Pennsylvania  to  open  insurrection  ?  What  did  they  do  to  the 

14* 


322  WASHINGTON'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [170* 

Inspector  fled,  and  his  guard  was  forced  to  surrender  to  a 
company  of  insurgents.  The  "  whiskey  rebellion"  having 
assumed  this  dangerous  aspect,  Washington  issued  a  requi 
sition  for  a  force  sufficient  to  suppress  it.  Gen.  Henry  Lee, 
then  governor  of  Virginia,  was  placed  in  command,  and 
Hamilton  accompanied  the  army.  On  reaching  the  seat  of 
the  rebellion  [October,  1794],  it  was  found  that  the  insur 
gents  had  dispersed.  Gen.  Morgan,  with  a  considerable 
force,  was  left  west  of  the  mountains  during  the  winter,  and 
no  further  trouble  from  this  cause  w~as  experienced. 
X  437.  Meantime  Gen.  Wayne  was  cautiously  advancing, 
with  over  three  thousand  men,  on  his  expedition  against  the 
western  Indians.  On  the  13th  of  August,  1794,  having 
reached  the  neighborhood  of  the  Maumee  Rapids,  where  the 
enemy  had  assembled,  he  dispatched  a  messenger  to  their 
camp  with  propositions  of  peace.  Ten  days  were  asked  for 
consideration;  but  Wayne  still  advanced,  and  on  the  19th 
the  hostile  tribes  met  in  council.  Elated  by  their  former 
success,  most  of  the  chiefs  fiercely  pronounced  for  war.  Lit 
tle  Turtle  alone  dissented.  Twice,  he  said,  they  had  defeated 
the  Americans  ;  they  could  not  always  expect  the  same  good 
fortune.  The  pale-faces  were  now  led  by  a  chief  who  never 
slept,  and  something  told  him  that  they  should  listen  to  his 
offers  of  peace.  The  counsels  of  the  wise  Miami  were  disre 
garded.  War  was  decided  upon,  and  Blue  Jacket,  a  Shaw- 
nee  warrior,  was  elected  commander-in-chief. 

At  a  late  hour  that  night  two  of  Wayne's  soldiers  entered 
the  Red  Men's  camp,  to  discover  their  decision.  The  war 
riors  slept ;  and  the  two  spies  stealthily  advanced  over  their 
prostrate  bodies  until  they  found  an  Indian  girl  awake.  Pre 
senting  their  arms,  they  compelled  her  to  follow,  and,  on 
reaching  a  safe  distance  from  the  camp,  obtained  from  her 
the  desired  information.  Never  was  a  daring  deed  more 
gallantly  or  successfully  performed. 

United  States  authorities?  Give  an  account  of  the  suppression  of  "  the  whiskey  rebel 
lion".  437.  What  was  Wayne  doing  meanwhile  ?  What  took  place,  August  16th,  1794  T 
What  did  the  Indians  do  on  the  19th?  State  what  passed  in  the  Indian  council. 
Whom  did  the  Indians  choose  as  their  leader?  Kclate  the  heroic  achievement  of  two 


1704J 


WAYNE'S  INDIAN  EXPEDITION. 

1 


323 


WAYNE'S  SCOUTS  IN  TUK'  INDIAN  CAMP. 


The  following  morning,  Wayne  marched  without  delay 
towards  the  Indian  town.  He  wras  received  with  a  warm 
fire  ;  but  an  intrepid  charge  drove  the  Indians  from  their 
cover,  and  put  them  completely  to  rout.  The  pursuit  was 
continued  for  several  miles,  and  over  two  hundred  of  the 
enemy  were  slain.  All  the  Indian  villages  for  a  distance  of 
fifty  miles  were  destroyed,  and  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
valleys  of  the  West  was  reduced  to  desolation.  So  hum 
bled  were  the  Red  Men  of  the  North  West  Territory  by  this 
defeat,  that  they  expressed  a  general  desire  for  peace.  Wayne 
invited  them  to  a  council  in  July,  1795,  and  offered  to  make 
a  treaty  with  them  on  condition  that  they  would  surrender 
all  the  land  east  of  a  line  drawn  from  Fort  Recovery  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Kentucky  River,  embracing  almost  the  whole  of 
what  is  now  Ohio  and  part  of  Indiana.  Some  of  the  chiefs 
objected  to  giving  up  so  large  a  tract.  An  express  was  sent 


of  Wayne's  scouts.  What  did  Wayne  do  the  following  morning?  How  was  he  re 
ceived  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle  that  followed.  [See  Map,  p.  R46.— Where  did 
Wayne's  battle  take  place?  Into  what  does  the  Maumee  empty?]  How  were  the  In 
dians  punished '(  What  desire  did  they  express  the  following  year  ?  On  what  condition 


324  WASHINGTON'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [1795 

to  consult  the  government  on  the  subject,  and  instructions 
were  returned  to  Gen.  Wayne  not  to  insist  on  the  line  he 
had  proposed,  but  to  accept  that  offered  by  the  Indians. 
Before  these  orders  arrived,  however,  he  had  extorted  from 
some  of  the  chiefs  a  reluctant  assent  to  his  terms,  and,  throw 
ing  the  instructions  just  received  upon  the  table,  he  declared 
that  the  treaty  should  be  signed  as  it  then  stood.  He  car 
ried  his  point  The  treaty  was  signed,  and  the  contest  of 
years  was  ended. 

"  Mad  Anthony  Wayne"  was  long  remembered  by  the 
Indians  of  the  West.  He  is  said  to  have  told  them,  that, 
if  ever  they  violated  their  treaty,  he  would  rise  from  his 
grave  to  fight  them.  Whether  this  threat  kept  them  faith 
ful  to  their  agreement  or  not,  it  is  certain  that  for  years  the 
frontier  enjoyed  a  security  which  it  had  never  before  known. 
Having  thus  creditably  performed  his  task,  Wayne  embarked 
on  Lake  Erie,  on  his  way  to  Philadelphia.  While  the  blasts 
of  December  [1796]  were  tossing  his  vessel  on  the  boisterous 
waves,  his  spirit  took  its  flight  from  earth.  The  hero  was 
buried  at  Presq'  He,  now  Erie.  X 

./  438.  The  Indian  War  having  been  brought  to  a  successful 
close,  the  republicans  next  seized  on  the  foreign  policy  of 
Washington  as  a  subject  for  the  most  violent  condemnation. 
On  the  breaking  out  of  the  French  Revolution,  it  was  thought 
in  this  country  that  the  people  were  honestly  struggling  for 
liberty  ;  and  many,  gratefully  remembering  the  aid  extended 
to  America  in  her  hour  of  need,  proposed  engaging  actively 
on  the  side  of  France  in  the  wars  that  followed.  Washing 
ton  immediately  issued  a  proclamation  to  the  effect  that  strict 
neutrality  must  be  maintained.  Genet,  the  French  minister, 
finding  the  government  firm,  threatened  to  appeal  to  the 
people.  This  Washington  regarded  as  an  insult  to  the  na 
tion,  and  at  his  request  the  obnoxious  minister  was  recalled. 

did  Wayne  propose  peace?  How  was  this  offer  met  by  the  Indians?  What  instruc 
tions  were  received  from  the  government  ?  How  were  they  treated  by  Wayne  ?  What 
did  Wayne  tell  the  Indians  ?  What  was  the  state  of  the  frontier  after  his  victory  ? 
What  became  of  Wayne?  Where  was  he  buried?  483.  Of  what  did  the  democrats 
next  complain  ?  What  had  been  the  feelings  of  many  in  America  on  the  breaking  out 
of  the  French  Devolution?  What  course  was  pursued  by  Washington?  What  threat 


1795]  HE    RETIRES    TO    PRIVATE    LIFE.  325 

A  storm  of  abuse  from  the  opposite  party  followed.  The 
president  was  unjustly  accused  of  a  criminal  regard  for  Brit 
ish  interests,  and  even  of  drawing  money  from  the  treasury 
without  due  authority. 

When  the  news  arrived  that  John' Jay,  after  long  negotia 
tions,  had  concluded  a  treaty  with  the  English  government, 
which  provided  for  the  surrender  of  the  posts  hi  the  west, 
and  established  more  friendly  relations  between  the  two  coun 
tries,  the  excitement  was  increased.  Mr.  Jay  was  burned 
in  effigy,  a  copy  of  the  treaty  was  consigned  to  the  flames 
before  his  house  in  New  York  by  a  large  concourse,  and 
Hamilton  who  attempted  to  address  them,  was  driven  from 
the  ground  with  stones.  The  republicans  had  a  majority  in 
the  house  of  representatives  ;  and  the  violent  language  used 
by  their  leaders  before  that  body  convulsed  the  whole  coun 
try.  The  people  at  last  became  alarmed  for  the  consequences, 
and  the  opposition  gradually  became  less  violent.  Washing 
ton,  though  urged  to  serve  for  a  third  term,  declined  a  re 
election.  In  1797,  he  withdrew  to  private  life,  having  pre 
viously  in  a  Farewell  Address  laid  before  the  nation  his  views 
respecting  their  true  policy.  This  parting  advice  has  ever 
been  regarded  by  the  people  of  the  United  States  as  one  of 
the  most  valuable  treasures  left  them  by  the  father  of  his 
country. 

439.  In  1796,  a  third  new  state,  Tennessee,  was  admitted 
into  the  confederacy.  It  was  originally  a  part  of  North 
Carolina,  and  its  pioneer  settlers  had  gone  through  their 
share  of  trial  and  suffering.  In  1790,  North  Carolina  relin 
quished  its  claim  to  the  country,  and  it  had  been  organized 
by  Congress  as  "  the  Territory  southwest  of  the  Ohio".  In 
1795,  Tennessee  had  a  population  of  77,000. 

was  made  by  Genet?  What  followed?  What  tone  was  assumed  by  the  republican 
leaders?  What  unjust  charges  did  they  bring  against^Washington  ?  What  news  was  soon 
received  ?  How  did  the  anti-federalists  express  their  disapprobation  ?  What  party  had 
a  majority  in  the  lower  house  of  Congress  ?  What  course  was  pursued  by  their  lead 
ers?  What  was  done  by  Washington  in  1797?  439.  When  was  Tennessee  admitted  ? 
What  is  said  of  its  previous  hist  >ry  ?  What  was  the  population  of  Tennessee  in  1795  ? 


JOHN  ADAMS'  ADMINISTRATION.  [17 »» 

CHAPTER    II. 

JOHN   ADAMS'   ADMINISTRATION,  1797-1801. 

440.  JOHN  ADAMS,  of 
Massachusetts,  was  cho 
sen  as  Washington's  suc 
cessor,  and  Thomas  Jef 
ferson  was  at  the  same 
time   elected  vice-presi 
dent.     The  former  was 
regarded  as  the  head  of 
the  federal  party,  which, 
though  still  in  the  ma 
jority,   was    fast  losing 
ground   before    the   re 
publicans,  of  whom  Jef-Y 
ferson  was  the  acknowl-j 
edged  leader.  i 

441.  Early  in  Adams'  JOHN  ADAMS- 
administration,  difficulties  with  France  assumed  a  serious 
aspect.     The  American  minister  was  not  only  refused  an 
audience  by  the  French  Directory,  but  ordered  out  of  their 
territory.     At  the  same  time  the  U.  S.  flag  was  insulted  on 
the  ocean,  a  number  of  vessels  being  captured  by  French 
cruisers.     These  outrages  silenced  even  the  warmest  advo 
cates  of  French  interests,  and  preparations  were  made  for 
war.     An  army  was  organized,  and,  in  compliance  with  the 
general  voice  of  the  nation,  Washington  was  appointed  com- 
mander-in-chief. 

The  honor  of  America  was  gallantly  vindicated  on  the 
ocean  by  Captain  Truxton  and  a  few  brave  seamen.  Trux 
ton  had  taken  many  priz'es  from  the  British  during  the  Rev- 


440.  At  the  next  election,  who  were  made  president  and  vice-president  ?  What  were 
their  politics?  441.  What  difficulties  arose  early  in  Adams'  administration?  "What 
preparations  were  made  by  the  U.  8.?  Who  was  appointed  commander-in-chief  ?  By 
whom  was  the  Honor  of  Amefica  vindicated  on  the  ocean  ?  What  is  said  of  Truxton's 


1790]  DEATH   OF   WASHINGTON.  327 

olution,  and  was  now  one  of  the  six  captains  of  the  infant 
navy  of  the  United  States.  In  February,  I  799,  while  cruis 
ing  in  the  frigate  Constellation,  he  fell  in  with  the  French 
vessel  L'Insurgente  \lang-soor-zhont'\  which  surrendered 
after  a  spirited  action.  The  next  year,  he  encountered  an 
other  French  frigate,  La  Vengeance  \lah-vong-zhons'].  Af 
ter  an  action  of  five  hours  the  enemy  was  silenced ;  but  a 
gale  separated  the  combatants,  and  the  French  vessel  escaped. 
She  afterwards  entered  port  in  a  shattered  condition,  with 
160  men  killed  or  wounded.  > 

442.  Gen.  Washington  did  not  live  to  see  peace  restored. 
Exposure  to  a  slight  rain  brought  on  inflammation  and  fever, 
which  proved  fatal  on  the  14th  of  December,  1799.     When 
he  found  that  death  was  approaching,  he  said  to  his  physi 
cian,  "  I  am  dying — but  I  am  not  afraid  to  die."     Calmly 
the  good  and  great  man  met  his  end.     The  death  of  Wash 
ington  was  regarded  as  a  national  bereavement.     Due  hon 
ors  were  paid  to  his  memory  in  Congress.     Party  spirit  was 
for  a  time  forgotten,  and  the  whole  country  mourned  its 
illustrious  father. 

443.  Alarmed  at  the  bold  appeals  of  the  partisans  of  France 
and  their  violent  denunciations  of  the  government,  the  fed 
eralists  succeeded  in  passing  through   Congress  two  bills, 
known  as  the  Alien  and  the  Sedition  Law.     The  former  au 
thorized  the  president  to  require  all  aliens,  or  foreigners, 
whom  he  considered  dangerous  to  the  peace  of  the  country, 
to  depart  within  such  a  time  as  he  should  specify.   The  latter 
forbade,  under  certain  penalties,  conspiracies  against  govern 
ment,  and  all  publications  designed  to  bring  it  into  disre 
pute.     The  passing  of  these  bills  awakened  more  violent 
opposition  than  ever.     The  legislatures  of  Virginia  and  Ken- 
tucky  declared  them  unconstitutional  and  void.      Happily 
the  conclusion  of  peace,  in  1800,  with  Napoleon,  who  had 
become  First  Consul  of  France,  alla'yed  the  excitement,  and 

previous  history?  Give  an  account  of  his  achievements  in  1799  and  1800.  442.  Give 
an  account  of  Gen.  Washington's  death.  How  was  it  regarded  ?  443.  What  bills  were 
passed  through  tin  influence  of  the  federalists?  State  the  substance  of  the  Alien  and 
the  Sedition  Law.  What  followed  tLeir  passage  ?  How  -did  it  become  unnecessary  to 


328  JOHN  ADAMS'  ADMINISTRATION.  [isoo 

rendered  it  unnecessary  to  put  the  Alien  and  Sedition  Laws 
into  execution. 

444.  In  December,  1800,  Congress  met  for  the  first  time 
at  the  city  of  Washington,  which  has  ever  since  been  the 
national  capital.     It  is  situated  in  the  District  of  Columbia, 
a  tract  originally  ten  miles  square,  presented  to  the  general 
government  by  Maryland  and  Virginia.     The  portion  given 
by  Virginia  was  afterwards  ceded  back  to  that  state,  so  that 
the  District  is  now  confined  to  the  Maryland  side  of  the  Po 
tomac.     The  city  was  laid  out  in  1792  ;  and  its  population 
in  1800  amounted  to  over  8,000.     It  lay  in  the  midst  of  a 
wilderness,  described  as  containing  "  here  and  there  a  small 
cottage,  without  a  glass  window,  interspersed  among  the 
forests,  through  which  you  travel  without  seeing  any  human 
being". 

445.  The  first  census  of  the  United  States  was  taken  in 
1790;  another  was  completed  in  1800.     They  show  the  fol 
lowing  results : — 

Whole  Population.  Slaves.  Post  Offices.  Exports. 

In  1790,  3,929,328  697,696  75  $20,205,156 

In  1800,  5,300,758  896,849  903  .70,971,780 

446.  At  the  close  of  Adams'  term,  he  was  again  put  in 
nomination  by  the  federalists,  in  conjunction  with  Charles 
C.  Pinckney,  of  South  Carolina ;  the  republicans  supported 
Thomas  Jefferson,  and  Aaron  Burr,  of  New  York.     When 
the  electoral  votes  were  counted,  it  was  found  that  Jefferson 
and  Burr  w^ere  in  advance  of  the  other  candidates,  both  hav 
ing  the  same  number.   This  threw  the  election  into  the  house 
of  representatives,  which  gave  the  presidency  to  Jefferson 
and  made  Burr  vice-president. 

put  them  into  execution?  444.  Where  did  Congress  meet  in  December,  J800?  How 
is  Washington  situated  ?  What  was  the  original  size  of  the  District  of  Columbia?  To 
what  is  it  now  confined?  When  was  Washington  laid  out?  What  was  its  population 
in  1800?  What  was  the  state  of  the  surrounding  country?  445.  When  was  the  first 
census  of  the  U.  S.  taken?  Compare  the  whole  population  in  1790  with  that  in  1800. 
The  slaves.  The  post-offices.  The  exports.  446.  Who  were  the  candidates  of  the  two 
parties  at  the  close  of  Adams'  term?  On  whom  did  the  election  devolve  ?  Who  were 
finally  chosen? 


180l] 


JEFFERSON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 


329 


CHAPTER   III.  • 

JEFFERSON'S  ADMINISTRATION,  1801-1809. 

447.  JEFFERSON  ap 
pointed   James    Madi 
son,    of   Virginia,    his 
secretary  of  state,  and 
continued  him  in  that 
office    throughout    his 
whole    administration. 
In    1802,   the    eastern 
part  of  the  North  West 
Territory  was  admitted 
into  the  Union,  under 
the  name  of  Ohio.    The 
western    portion    had 
previously  been  organ 
ized  into  the  Territory 
of  Indiana.    "$jp$ennes 
was     its    capital,    and 

William  Henry  Harrison  (afterwards  president)  had  been 
appointed  its  first  governor. 

448.  One  of  the  most  important  acts  of  Jefferson's  admin 
istration  was  the  purchase  of  Louisiana.     Napoleon  had  in 
1800  compelled  the  Spanish  government  to  cede  this  exten 
sive  tract  to  France,  and  had  made  every  preparation  for 
establishing  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi  a  strong  military 
colony,  conveniently  situated  for  encroaching  on  the  neigh 
boring  territories  of  Great  Britain,  Spain,  and  the  United 
States,  as  his  ambition  might  dictate.     Notwithstanding  the 
protest  of  the  American  minister,  20,000  men  under  Berna- 
dotte  [bare-na-dot']  (afterwards  king  of  Sweden)  were  ready 

447.  Whom  did  Jefferson  make  secretary  of  state  ?  When  was  Ohio  admitted  ?  What 
had  been  done  with  the  western  portion  ot  the  North  West  Territory  ?  What  was  made 
the  capital  of  Indiana?  Who  was  appointed  its  first  governor?  44S.  What  was  one  of 
the  most  important  acts  of  Jeffersor'?  administration?  To  whom  had  Louisiana  boon 
transferred  What  did  Napoleon  at  one  time  contemplate  ?  What  made  him  alter  his 


TIIOMAS  JEFFEKSOM. 


330  JEFFERSON'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [isoa 

to  sail  for  the  new  world,  when  a  fresh  quarrel  with  England 
changed  the  plans  of  the  French  emperor.  He  now  resolved 
to  concentrate  all  his  forces  for  an  invasion  of  the  British 
Isles,  and  offered  to  sell  Louisiana  to  the  U.  S.  The  Ameri 
can  ministers,  James  Monroe  and  Robert  R.  Livingston, 
though  unauthorized  to  make  so  extensive  a  purchase,  took 
the  responsibility  of  closing  with  Bonaparte's  offer.  The 
advantages  of  the  arrangement  were  so  obvious  that  it  watj 
promptly  ratified  by  the  home  government.  Fifteen  millions 
of  dollars  were  paid  for  this  valuable  territory,^  about  one- 
fifth  of  which  was  allowed  as  an  indemnity  for  injuries  com 
mitted  by  the  French  on  the  commerce  of  the  United  States. 

449.  The  American  government,  following  the  example  of 
the  maritime  powers  of  Europe,  had  sought  to  protect  its 
commerce  in  the  Mediterranean  from  the  depredations  of 
piratical  craft  by  paying  tribute  to  the  Barbary  States  (as 
the  countries  on  the  northern  coast  of  Africa  are  called). 
When  Capt.  Bainbridge  visited  Algiers  in  1800,  with  a  na 
tional  frigate,  to  make  the  annual  payment,  the  dey,  or  gov 
ernor,  wishing  to  send  an  ambassador  to  Constantinople, 
demanded  the  use  of  his  vessel  for  that  purpose.  To  Bain- 
bridge's  remonstrances  the  dey  insolently  replied,  "  You  pay 
me  tribute,  by  which  you  become  my  slaves,  and  therefore  I 
have  a  right  to  order  you  as  I  think  proper."  As  the  guns 
of  the  fort  bore  directly  upon  his  vessel,  the  American  captain 
was  obliged  to  submit.  He  bore  the  dey's  agent  to  Constan 
tinople,  and  was  the  first  to  unfurl  the  banner  of  his  country 
in  that  harbor.  The  Turks  had  never  heard  of  the  United 
States;  but  on  learning  that  their  visitors  were  from  the 
new  world  discovered  by  Columbus,  they  treated  them  with 
marked  courtesy. 

Subjected  to  such  annoyances  and  finding  that  American 
commerce  still  suffered,  the  U.  S.  government  remonstrated 
in  such  strong  terms  as  to  provoke  a  declaration  of  war  on 

plans  ?  What  did  he  then  propose  ?  How  did  the  American  ministers  receive  his  offer  ? 
How  was  their  action  liked  at  home?  How  much  did  Louisiana  cost?  449.  How  had 
Lhe  American  government  sought  to  protect  its  commerce  in  the  Mediterranean  ?  What 
passed  between  Capt.  Bainbridge  and  the  dey  of  Algiers?  How  did  the  Turks  receive 
their  visitors  ?  What  action  was  taken  by  the  U.  S.  government  ?  How  did  the  bashaw  of 


1803]  THE   TRIPOLITAN    WAR.  331 

the  part  of  Yu'-scf,  who  had  usurped  the  throne  of  Tripoli 
[trip'-o-le].  In  October,  1803,  Commodore  Preble  [preb'-bet] 
.  arrived  before  Tripoli  with  a  naval  force ;  still  the  bashaw 
refused  to  treat.  While  reconnoitring  the  harbor,  the  Phil 
adelphia,  an  American  vessel,  had  struck  on  a  rock,  and  fallen 
a  prey  to  the  Tripolitans,  who  consigned  its  crew  to  slavery. 
Lieutenant  Decatur  undertook  to  destroy  this  ship  in  the 
enemy's  harbor.  Followed  by  seventy  volunteers,  he  board 
ed  her,  drove  the  enemy  from  her  deck,  and  made  good  his 
retreat  in  the  face  of  the  Tripolitan  batteries,  without  losing 
a  single  man. 

In  August,  1804,  the  American  commodore  commenced 
bombarding  the  city.  The  fire  was  continued  for  five  hours, 
during  which  several  gun-boats  of  the  enemy  were  destroyed 
and  their  fort  received  serious  injury.  Alarmed  by  this,  as 
well  as  by  the  news  that  Eaton,  the  American  consul,  was 
approaching  overland  with  an  army,  in  conjunction  with  the 
rightful  bashaw,  Yusef  at  length  came  to  terms,  and  the 
American  flag  was  for  some  years  treated  writh  respect  by 
the  Barbary  powers. 

450.  Hamilton,  on  leaving  the  cabinet,  had  fixed  his  resi 
dence  at  New  York,  where  he  devoted  himself  to  the  practice 
of  law,  and  obtained  the  highest  eminence  in  that  profession. 
His  chief  rival,  both  in  law  and  politics,  was  Aaron  Burr,  a 
man  of  great  talents  but  little  principle,  whom  we  have 
already  mentioned  as  having  been  elected  to  the  vice-presi 
dency.  While  still  holding  that  office,  Burr  ran  for  governor 
of  the  state  of  New  York,  but  was  defeated  by  a  large  ma 
jority,  owing  in  a  measure  to  Hamilton's  influence.  This, 
added  to  other  causes,  led  Burr  to  challenge  his  illustrious 
rival.  Unhappily,  the  latter  accepted,  and  the  duel  was 
fought  at  Weehawken,  July  11,  1804.  Hamilton  fell  mor 
tally  wounded  (in  his  forty-eighth  year)  on  the  very  spot 
where  his  eldest  son  had  shortly  before  likewise  been  killed 

Tripoli  retaliate?  Who  appeared  before  Tripoli,  in  October,  1S03?  What  befell  the 
Philadelphia?  Relate  a  gallant  exploit  of  Decatnr's.  Give  an  account  of  the  bombard 
ment  of  Tripoli.  What  brought  the  bashaw  to  terms  ?  4f>0.  Where  had  Hamilton  fixed 
his  residence?  To  what  profession  did  he  devote  himself?  Who  was  his  chief  rival? 
What  was  Burr's  character?  For  what  office  did  Burr  become  a  candidate  ?  How  was 


332  JEFFERSON'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [iso* 

in  a  duel.  The  death  of  Hamilton  from  such  a  cause  pro 
duced  a  profound  sensation.  Men  of  all  parties  had  regarded 
him  as  the  most  brilliant  ornament  of  the  nation.  They  had 
felt  that  "whoever  was  second,  Hamilton  must  be  first". 

451.  From  this  time  Burr  was  loathed  by  his  countrymen. 
George  Clinton,  of  New  York,  superseded  him  in  the  vice- 
presidency,  while  Jefferson  was  reflected  president  by  a  large 
majority,  and  entered  on  his  second  term  March  4,  1805. 
After  bidding  adieu  to  the  senate  in  an  eloquent  valedictory, 
Burr  took  a  tour  through  the  West,  visiting  the  principal 
towns,  and  everywhere  leaving  the  impression  th'at  he  con 
templated  some  grand  scheme  not  yet  to  be  disclosed.     Hig 
design  seems  to  have  been  either  to  wrest  Mexico  from  Spain, 
or  to  detach  the  West  from  the  Union  and  erect  it  into  a 
separate  government  with  himself  at  its  head.    In  July,  1806, 
in  a  letter  to  Gen.  Wilkinson,  whom  he  desired  to  interest  in 
his  enterprise,  he  partially  unfolded  his  plans,  and  announced 
that  seven  thousand  "  choice  spirits"  were  pledged  to  their 
support.     Wilkinson  communicated  this  information  to  the 
president,  and  Burr's  movements  were  thenceforth  narrowly 
watched. 

452.  On  a  beautiful  island  in  the  Ohio,  near  Marietta,  an 
Irish  exile  named  Blen-ner-has'-set  had  erected  an  elegant 
mansion,  which  he  and  his  accomplished  wife  had  rendered  a 
centre  of  attraction  to  people  of  refinement  throughout  the 
neighboring  country.     Burr,  who  was  a  man  of  fascinating 
manners,  gained  admission  to  this  paradise  and  induced  its 
owner  to  participate  in  his  schemes.     The  lovely  island  soon 
became  the  chief  resort  of  the  conspirators,  and  Burr  re 
mained  there  till  he  had  completed  his  plan  of  operations,, 
After  his  departure,  the  authorities  of  Virginia  sent  an  officer 
to   arrest   Blennerhasset.      He  was  received   by  the  high- 
spirited  mistress  of  the  island,  who,  with  a  pistol  in  each 

ho  defeated?  What  was  the  unhappy  consequence ?  How  lias  Hamilton  always  been 
regarded  ?  451.  What  was  the  effect  of  the  duel  on  Burr's  reputation  ?  Who  were  the 
successful  candidates  at  the  next  election?  After  taking  leave  of  the  senate,  what  was 
Burr's  course  ?  What  designs  does  he  seem  to  have  entertained  ?  How  were  his  designs 
made  known  to  the  president?  452.  Who  was  Blennerhasset?  Where  did  he  live? 
Give  an  account  of  Burr's  dealings  with  him.  Give  an  account  of  the  attempt  to  arrest 


1807J  BURR'S    APPREHENSION    AND   ACQUI'iTAL.  333 

hand,  ordered  him  to  depart  on  pain  of  instant  death.  The 
officer  deemed  it  prudent  to  retire,  and  Blennerhasset  made 
good  his  escape.  He  reached  Bermuda,  and  was  there  known 
as  a  lawyer  as  late  as  1837. 

453.  Meanwhile  Burr's  operations  were  so  openly  carried 
on  that  the  government  could  no  longer  hesitate.     Instruc 
tions  were  issued  to  suppress  the  expedition,  and  early  in 
1807  its  leader  was  arrested  and  taken  to  Richmond  for  trial. 
Two  indictments  were  found  against  him,  one  for  treason, 
the  other  for  organizing  an  expedition  against  a  country  with 
which  the  U.  S.  was  at  peace.     While  awaiting  trial,  Burr 
was  committed  to  the  common  jail,  where  criminals  of  every 
grade  were  confined.     A  blanket  was  given  him  for  a  bed, 
and  marking  out  a  space  for  himself  he  lay  down  to  rest. 
The  wretched  inmates  of  the  place  wondered  as  they  beheld 
a  man  who  had  wanted  but  one  vote  to  make  him  president 
of  the  U.  S.  reduced  to  their  own  level — and  wondered  still 
more  to  see  him  sleeping  calmly  after  such  a  reverse  of  for-* 
tune.     His  trial  excited  intense  interest.     The  jury  returned 
a  verdict  of  "  not  guilty",  a  result  to  which  Mr.  Burr's  able 
defence  and  unsurpassed  powers  of  persuasion  no  doubt  con 
tributed  much.     Though  he  escaped  the  penalty  of  treason, 
his  public  career  was  at  an  end.    He  returned  to  the  practice 
of  law,  but,  all  confidence  in  his  integrity  being  lost,  the  re 
mainder  of  his  life  was  passed  in  obscurity.    He  died  in  1836, 
at  the  age  of  80. 

454.  The  territory  now  called  Oregon  was  little  known  to 
the  world  even  two  centuries  after  other  parts  of  the  Pacific 
coast  had  been  explored.    Navigators,  in  quest  of  a  northern 
passage  between  the  oceans,  had  sought  a  harbor  on  its  in 
hospitable  shore,  but  without  success  till  May,  1792,  when 
Captain  Gray,  of  Boston,  entered  the  mouth  of  a  noble  river, 
which  he  called  "  Columbia"  from  the  name  of  his  vessel. 

Blcnnerhasset  What  became  of  him?  453.  What  steps  was  government  obliged  to 
take?  When  was  Burr  arrested?  Where  was  he  taken  for  trial?  For  what  was  he 
indicted  ?  What  excited  the  wonder  of  his  companions  in  jail  ?  What  verdict  was  re 
turned  ?  What  contributed  much  to  tin's  result?  What  was  the  subsequent  history  of 
Burr  ?  454.  What  is  said  of  the  territory  now  called  Oregon  ?  What  had  led  navigators 
to  Its  shores  ?  Who  was  the  first  to  find  a  harbor  there  ?  What  claim  was  put  forth  by 


334 


JEFFERSON  S    ADMINISTRATION. 


[1804: 


The  United  States  immediately  laid  claim  to  the  region 
drained  by  this  river  and  its  tributaries.  In  1804,  at  Jeffer 
son's  suggestion,  a  party  of  thirty-five  soldiers  and  hunters 
was  sent  out  under  Captain  Lewis  and  Lieutenant  Clarke,  to 
cross  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  explore  the  continent  as  far 
as  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia.  They  spent  the  winter  of 
1804-5  among  the  Mandan  Indians  at  the  Falls  of  the  Mis 
souri.  In  the  spring  they  resumed  their  journey,  and  No 
vember  brought  them  to  their  point  of  destination. 

The  adventures  of  the  explorers  were  embodied  in  a  nar 
rative  which  was  read  with  avidity  by  thousands.  They  had 
passed  more  than  two  years  at  a  distance  from  civilized  so 
ciety,  had  travelled  6,000  miles  among  savage  tribes,  and 
returned  with  the  loss  of  but  a  single  man.  Hair-breadth 
escapes  often  saved  them  from  the  ferocious  beasts  of  the 
forest  and  Indians  hardly  less  ferocious.  One  night  some  of 
the  party  espied  a  huge  grizzly  bear  near  a  river  by  which 


ADVENTURE   OF   LEWIS    AND   CLARKE'S   EXPLORING    PARTY. 


the  U.  8.  ?    What  was  done  in  1804  ?     Where  did  the  explorers  spend  the  ensuing  win 
ter  ?    When  did  they  reach  their  point  of  destination  ?    How  many  miles  did  they  travel  f 


1805J  BRITISH    AGGRESSIONS.  335 

they  were  encamped,  and  approaching  within  forty  yards 
gave  him  the  contents  of  their  guns.  Four  balls  entered  his 
body,  but  served  only  to  make  him  more  furious.  Pie  rushed 
towards  them,  and  on  the  way  received  another  volley  from 
two  of  the  hunters  who  had  prudently  reserved  their  fire. 
Before  they  could  reload,  the  angry  beast  was  upon  them,  and 
they  fled  to  the  river.  T\vo  found  refuge  in  a  boat,  and  the 
others,  hiding  in  a  clump  of  willows,  wounded  him  again  and 
again  till  they  also  were  forced  into  the  water.  The  bear 
pursued,  and  had  almost  overtaken  one  of  the  hunters  when 
he  received  a  bullet  in  his  brain  and  fell. 

455.  In  1805  and  the  two  following  years,  American  com 
merce  suffered  much  from  British  aggressions.  The  United 
States  maintained  a  strict  neutrality  in  the  wars  that  were 
convulsing  Europe,  but  their  rights  as  a  neutral  nation  were 
disregarded.  Vessels  sailing  under  their  flag  on  the  high 
seas  were  subjected  to  frequent  and  flagrant  injuries.  Eng 
land  authorized  her  officers  to  stop  them,  to  examine  their 
crews,  and  impress  for  their  own  ships  whatever  seamen  they 
chose  to  regard  as  British  subjects.  These  outrages  Ameri 
can  vessels  were  often  too  weak  to  resist.  The  frigate  Ches 
apeake,  when  starting  on  a  distant  voyage,  was  unexpectedly 
attacked  by  the  British  ship  Leopard,  which  had  been  en 
joying  the  hospitality  of  an  American  port.  Several  of  her 
crew  were  killed,  and  four  men  were  impressed  and  carried  on 
board  of  the  Leopard,  on  the  plea  that  they  were  deserters. 
Jefferson,  hi  a  proclamation,  immediately  ordered  all  British 
vessels  of  war  to  quit  the  waters  of  the  United  States.  The 
English  government  disavowed  the  act  and  promised  repara 
tion  ;  but  nothing  satisfactory  was  done.  The  president  fur 
ther  retaliated,  by  laying  an  embargo  on  American  vessels, 
that  is,  forbidding  them  to  leave  port.  This  was  done  to 
distress  England,  for  American  ships  during  the  war  had 
done  most  of  the  carrying  trade  of  Europe.  The  embargo, 

Et-Iate  their  adventure  with  a  grizzly  bear.  455.  What  cause  of  trouble  arose  in  1805  £ 
To  what  outrages  were  American  vessels  subjected?  What  befell  the  Chesapeake? 
What  was  immediately  done  by  the  president?  What  was  the  course  of  the  English 
government?  How  did  Jefferson  further  retaliate ?  What  was  the  effect  of  the  ein- 

' 


336 


JEFFERSON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 


[1809 


however,  was  found  so  injurious  to  the  commercial  interests 
of  the  North,  that  after  fourteen  months  it  was  repealed,  and 
a  non-intercourse  act  was  passed  in  its'stead. 

456.  In  the  midst 
of  these  difficulties, 
Mr.  Jeiferson's  sec 
ond   term    expired. 
Declining       reelec 
tion,  he  announced 
his  determination  to 
return    to    private 
life.     Though  some 
partisans     charged 
him  with  •  pursuing 

tOO    timid    a    COUrse  JEFFERSON'S  SEAT,  MONTICELLO,  VA. 

in  relation  to  the  aggressions  of  England,  all  respected  him 
as  a  man  of  high  talents  and  stern  integrity,  who  had  labored 
honorably  and  successfully  for  his  country.  An  epitaph 
placed  on  his  monument  by  his  own  direction  tells  us  that 
he  was  the  "  Author  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  ; 
of  the  statute  for  religious  freedom  in  Virginia  f  and  the 
father  of  the  University  of  Virginia". 

457.  Before  leaving  this  period,  we   must  notice  one  of 
those  great  inventions  that  mark  an  epoch  in  the  world's  his 
tory.     Its  projector  was  Robert  Fulton,  a  native  of  Penn 
sylvania,  at  this  time  about  forty  years  of  age.     His  educa 
tion  was  imperfect,  and  he  had  figured  in  early  life  as  a 
sketcher  of  landscapes  and  portraits.     During  a  visit  to  Eng- 
land,  he  learned  what  was  then  known  respecting  the  powers 
and  applications  of  steam,  and  conceived  the  idea  of  employ 
ing  it  in  navigation.     The  poet  Darwin,  shortly  before,  in 
the  spirit  of  prophecy,  had  written, 

"  Soon  shall  thy  arm,  nnconquered  steam,  afar 

Drag  the  slow  barge,  or  drive  the  rapid  car,"  — 
and  Fulton  resolved  to  bring  the  prophecy  to  pass. 


How  lone:  did  it  remain  in  force?  What  was  finally  substituted  for  it?  450. 
How  did  Jefferson  feel  with  respect  to  reelection?  What  is  said  of  his  character? 
What  does  his  epitaph  tell  us  ?  457.  What  great  invention  belongs  to  this  period  ?  By 


1807J 


FULTON  S    GREAT   INVENTION. 


337 


Full  of  the  thought,  Fulton  went  to  Paris,  and  there,  amid 
discouragements  of  various  kinds,  devised  an  engine  adapted 
to  the  purpose.  In  1806,  he  returned  to  New  York;  and, 
aided  by  Mr.  Livingston,  whom  he  had  met  in  France,  he 
commenced  on  the  East  River  the  construction  of  the  first 
steamboat.  It  was  100  feet  long,  12  feet  wide,  and  7  feet 
deep.  The  work  went  on,  though  it  was  prophesied  on  all 
sides  that  it  would 
be  a  failure.  At 
last  the  boat  (origi 
nally  named  the 
Clermont,  but  af 
terwards  the  North 


FULTON'S  CLERMONT. 


River)  was  com-  _,. 
pleted,  and  re-  Li 
moved  to  the  Jer-  f 
sey  shore.  On  the 
2nd  of  September, 
1807,  Mr.  Fulton  invited  his  friends  to  join  him  on  a  trial 
trip.  The  word  was  given,  but  it  was  found  that  the  engine 
would  not  move.  Who  can  conceive  Fulton's  anxiety,  as 
he  hastens  below  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  difficulty  ? 
Is  the  cherished  project  of  years  after  all  but  a  dream  ?  Is 
he  to  incur  loss  and  ridicule  by  the  utter  failure  of  his  plans  ? 
No  !  he  finds  the  obstacle,  removes  it.  The  wheels  revolve, 
and  the  boat  glides  freely  over  the  waters  of  the  Hudson. 
Honor  and  fortune  are  his :  a  giant  stride  has  been  taken  in 
the  march  of  intellect. 

The  Clermont  plied  for  some  years  between  New  York 
and  Albany.  Before  this  the  passage  had  been  made  in 
sloops,  and  required  from  six  to  ten  days.  The  Clermont 
performed  it  in  36  hours,  at  a  charge  of  $7  to  each  passen 
ger.  For  several  years  the  Hudson  ccruld  boast  of  the  only 
steamboat  in  the  world. 

vrhom  was  it  made?  What  is  said  of  Fulton's  previous  history?  What  had  Darwin 
written  shortly  before?  Where  did  Fulton  devise  his  first  engine  ?  Where  did  he  then 
go?  By  whom  was  he  aided?  Where  did  he  commence  the  construction  of  his  boat? 
What  were  Its  dimensions ?  What  was  its  name?  Give  an  account  of  the  trial  trip. 
What  became  of  the  Clermont  ?  What  is  said  of  the  time  and  price  of  a  passage  be- 

15 


338  THOMAS    PAINE.  [1809 

458.  In  the  summer  of  1809,  Thomas  Paine,  whose  wri 
tings  had  been  of  great  service  to  the  patriot  cause  in  the 
Revolution,  died  in  his  73rd  year.  He  was  born  in  Norfolk, 
England,  received  an  imperfect  education,  and  in  early  life 
followed  his  father's  vocation,  which  was  that  of  a  stay-maker. 
A  political  pamphlet,  of  which  he  was  the  author,  introduced 
him  to  the  notice  of  Franklin,  by  whose  advice  he  went  to 
America.  He  arrived  on  the  eve  of  the  Revolutionary  strug 
gle,  and,  by  his  famous  pamphlet  entitled  "  Common  Sense" 
and  other  publications,  helped  to  impress  on  the  minds  of 
the  people  the  necessity  of  an  entire  separation  from  the  mo 
ther  country.  The  legislature  of  Pennsylvania  recognized 
his  services  by  presenting  him  £500.  Congress  voted  him 
$3,000 ;  and  from  New  York  he  received  500  acres  of  land. 
Paine  subsequently  took  part  in  the  French  Revolution,  but 
was  arrested  and  imprisoned,  and  narrowly  escaped  with  his 
life.  At  the  age  of  65,  he  returned  to  America  ;  but  his  at 
tacks  on  religion,  added  to  his  intemperate  habits,  prevented 
him  from  being  treated  with  the  consideration  which  he 
would  otherwise  have  received,  and  his  life  closed  in  obscu 
rity  and  wretchedness. 


CHAPTER  IY. 

MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION,  FROM  1809  TO  1812. 

459.  JEFFERSON  was  succeeded,  March  4, 1809,  by  James 
Madison  of  Virginia,  who  appointed  Robert  Smith,  of  Mary 
land,  secretary  of  steie.  George  Clinton  was  reflected 
vice-president.  The  "Sinculties  with  Great  Britain  first  en 
gaged  the  president's  attention.  The  non-intercourse  act, 

tween  New  York  and  Albany  ?  How  long  did  the  Clermont  remain  the  only  steam 
boat  in  the  world  ?  45S.  Who  died  in  the  summer  of  1809  ?  Where  was  Thomas  Paine 
born  ?  What  vocation  did  he  follow  in  early  life  ?  What  introduced  him  to  Franklin's 
notice  ?  What  services  did  he  render  in  the  Revolution  ?  How  were  these  services  re 
warded  ?  What  was  Paine's  subsequent  history  ? 

469.  By  whom  was  Jefferson  succeeded?      Who  was  elected  vice-president  at  the 
same  time  with  Madison  ?    What  subject  first  engaged  the  president's  attention  ?   Give 


TUP:    PRESIDENT   AND    THE    LITTLE    BELT. 


339 


JAMK8    MADIoON. 


passed  just  before  his 
inauguration,  was  still 
in  force,  but  did  not 
afford  a  sufficient  rem 
edy.  The  popular  cry 
of  "Free  Trade  and 
sailors'  rights"  was 
heard  all  over  the  land ; 
and  government  at  last 
made  peremptory  de 
mands  of  England,  the 
refusal  of  which,  it  was 
understood,  would  re 
sult  in  war.  No  con 
cessions  could  be  ob 
tained.  Mr.  Pinkney, 
disappointed  in  his  ne 
gotiations,  left  London  on  the  1st  of  March,  1811 ;  and  short 
ly  aftenVards  Mr.  Madison  dismissed  the  British  minister. 

460.  Wnte^ffTiirs  were  in  this  position,  Captain  Bingham, 
of  the  Britisn^^^e-of-war  Little  Belt,  discovered  at  a  dis 
tance  the  AmericSi  ship  President,  under  Commodore  Rod- 
gers,  and  gave  chase.     As  he  neared  the  President,  Captain 
Bingham  began  to  doubt  whether  he  was  authorized  in  ma 
king  an  attack,  aM  finally  altered  his  course.     The  Ameri 
can  commodore  now^n  turn  pursued.     As  he  approached,  a 
gun  was  fired  from  the\Little  Belt,  and  an  engagement  fol 
lowed.     The  British  vessel  was  severely  injured,  and  thirty 
of  her  men  were  disabled.     On  the  President,  but  one  was 
w^ounded.  ^^ 

461.  The  charter  of  the  Bank  S^ie  United  States  ex 
pired  on  the  4th  of  March,   1811.     Its  management  had 
been  judicious,  and  its  effects  beneficial ;  but,  after  a  long 
discussion,  which  engaged  the  leading  statesmen  of  the  coun 
try,  both  houses  refused  to  recharter  it ;  the  senate  by  the 

ar  account  cf  what  passed  between  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States  in  the  early  years 
of  Madison  s  administration.  460.  Give  an  account  of  the  engagement  between  the  Little 
Belt  and  the  President  461.  When  did  the  charter  of  the  Bank  of  the  U.  States  expire  ? 


340  MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [isn 

casting  vote  of  the  vice-president,  the  lower  house  by  a  ma 
jority  of  one. 

462.  The  rapid  strides  with  which  the  western  Indians 
beheld  civilization  advancing  upon  them  once  more  awakened 
their  hostility,  and  made  them  ready,  despite  their  fears  of 
Wayne's  threat,  to  unite  under  the  first  shrewd  leader  that 
should  present  himself.  Such  a  leader  was  found  in  the 
Shawnee  chief  Tecumseh.  This  famous  "  king  of  the  woods" 
was  bora  on  the  Mad  River,  Ohio,  in  1768.  He  was  distin 
guished  in  childhood  for  bravery  and  endurance,  and,  when 
he  grew  up,  took  part  in  the  various  battles  fought  by  his 
people  in  defence  of  their  hunting-grounds.  He  had  uni 
formly  opposed  the  cession  of  territory  to  the  United  States, 
and  had  refused  his  signature  to  the  treaty  made  with  Wayne. 
Finding  it  for  the  time  useless  to  resist,  he  had  then  tried  to 
wean  his  countrymen  from  their  intemperate  habits,  and  to 
form  such  a  combination  among  all  the  Indian  tribes  as  would 
prevent  any  further  sale  of  their  lands.  Partial  success  in 
these  efforts  encouraged  Tecumseh  to  assume  a  bolder  tone. 
He  denied  the  validity  of  existing  treaties ;  and,  when  the 
U.  S.  agent  remonstrated  with  him  for  transgressing  the 
bounds  settled  by  Wayne,  he  replied  that  "  the  Great  Spirit 
above  knew  no  bounds,  neither  would  his  red  children  ac 
knowledge  any". 

The  efforts  of  the  Shawnee  chief  were  seconded  by  his 
brother,  who  pretended  to  be  a  prophet  sent  by  the  Great 
Spirit  to  reform  his  countrymen.  While  Tecumseh  was  en 
gaged  in  visiting  the  frontier  tribes  for  a  distance  of  1,000 
miles,  the  Prophet  was  acquiring  great  influence  among  the 
adjacent  nations.  Crowds  flocked  to  hear  the  new  doctrines 
which  he  preached.  He^finally  fixed  his  head-quarters  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Tippecanoe  (in  the  western  part  of  Indiana), 
where  he  built  a  town  for  his  followers.  Supported  by  his 
brother's  influence  and  encouraged  by  British  agents,  Te- 

What  Is  said  of  the  attempts  to  recharter  it  ?  462.  What  once  more  awakened  the  hos 
tility  of  the  western  Indians  ?  Who  appeared  as  their  leader  ?  Where  was  Tecuraseh 
born  ?  What  is  said  of  his  early  history  ?  Finding  it  useless  to  resist,  to  what  did  he 
confine  his  efforts?  Encouraged  by  his  success,  what  ground  did  he  finally  take?  By 
whom  were  Tecumseh's  efforts  seconded  ?  What  did  the  Prophet  pretend?  In  wh:vt 


isii] 

cumseh  in  1810  felt  that  the  time  for  action  had  arrived.  A 
messenger  was  sent  to  Gov.  Harrison  to  ask  for  a  conference, 
and  the  wily  chief  received  permission  to  visit  Vincennes 
with  a  small  party  of  warriors.  He  came  with  400.  The 
suspicions  of  the  general  were  awakened,  and  in  making  ar 
rangements  for  the  council,  which  was  held  in  a  grove  near 
the  town,  he  took  care  to  provide  against  treachery.  It  was 
well  he  did  so.  While  he  was  speaking  in  reply  to  Tecum- 
seh,  the  latter  insolently  interrupted  him,  and  the  other  Red 
Men  made  hostile  movements  as  if  for  an  attack.  The  de 
cisive  measures  of  Gov.  Harrison,  however,  overawed  them, 
and  Tecumseh  was  allowed  to  depart  with  a  rebuke  for  his 
perfidy. 

463.  In  1811,  after  paying  Gov.  Harrison  another  visit, 
and  disavowing  all  hostile  purposes,  Tecumseh  went  to  the 
South,  to  bring  over  the  Creeks  to  his  league.  jSome  of  the 
tribes  willingly  listened  to  his  fiery  harangues,  and  accepted 
the  bundle  of  red  sticks,  which  was  the  emblem  of  their 
union  for  a  bloody  war ;  but  one  of  the  Georgia  chiefs  re 
ceived  the  sticks  in  such  a  way  that  Tecumseh  distrusted  his 
sincerity.  Sternly  eyeing  the  suspected  warrior,  he  threat 
ened  the  whole  tribe  with  the  vengeance  of  Heaven,  and 
declared  that  when  he  reached  Detroit  he  would  stamp  on 
the  ground  and  shake  down  every  house  in  their  village. 
The  Creeks  counted  the  days ;  and  by  a  strange  coincidence, 
when  the  predicted  time  had  about  arrived,  the  whole  south 
ern  country  was  visited  by  an  earthquake.  Trees  that  had 
borne  the  gales  of  centuries  trembled  and  fell ;  the  waters  of 
the  Mississippi  were  convulsed ;  and  the  town  of  New  Ma 
drid  was  swallowed  up  by  its  boiling  waves.  As  the  terri 
fied  Creeks  beheld  the  earth  shake  and  their  wigwams  totter 
and  fall,  they  remembered  the  vengeful  words  of  the  Shaw- 
nee,  and  cried  in  consternation,  "Tecumseh  has  reached 
Detroit !" 


was  he  engaged,  while  Tecumseh  was  enlisting  the  more  distant  tribes?  In  1810,  whut 
did  Tecumseh  do?  Give  an  account  of  his  interview  with  Gen.  Harrison.  468.  In 
1811,  where  did  Tecnmseh  go?  For  what  purpose?  How  was  he  received?  What 
passed  between  him  aud  one  of  the  Georgia  chiefs?  How  was  Tecumseh's  threatening 


342 


MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 


464.  So  alarming  were  the  accounts  of  Tecumseh's  move 
ments,  that  government  finally  instructed  Gen.  Harrison  to 
march  against  the  Prophet's  town  and  destroy  it  unless  a 
satisfactory  treaty  was  signed.  Volunteers  were  raised  for 
the  expedition.  Early  in  November,  1811,  the  U.  S.  army 
approached  the  Tippecanoe.  It  was  met  by  Indian  ambas 
sadors,  who  expressed  a  strong  desire  for  peace,  and  prom 
ised  that  the  Prophet  would  the  next  day  sign  the  required 
treaty.  That  night  the  men  lay  encamped  in  order  of  battle. 
About  two  hours  before  dawn  [November  7],  one  of  the 
sentinels  espied  something  moving  in  the  grass,  and  fired. 
The  discharge  was  answered  by  the  terrible  war-whoop  of 
the  Indians,  who  had  crept  up  to  surprise  the  sleeping  army, 
and  now  with  rifle  and  tomahawk  rushed  to  the  very  doors 
of  the  tents.  Not  one  in  twenty  of  Gen.  Harrison's  men 
had  been  in  battle  before,  but  they  stood  their  ground  like 
heroes.  Fierce  and  repeated  charges  were  made  by  the  Red 


RASS  or  THE  werpBAiaie^ 

£=2 

^ 


PLAN  OF  THE   BATTLE  OF  TIPFEOANOE. 

Men,  whom  the  pretended  Prophet  had  inspired  with  extra 
ordinary  courage ;  but  each  time  they  were  repulsed.  Har- 

prcdiction  fulfilled  ?  464.  What  instructions  were  issued  by  government  in  1811  ?  Early 
in  November,  1811,  where  were  Harrison  and  his  army?  By  whom  were  they  met? 
How  did  they  pass  the  night  ?  What  took  place  two  hours  before  dawn  ?  What  is  said 
of  Gen.  Harrison's  men?  [See  Map.— Where  were  the  Indians  concealed?  On  what 
oreek  was  the  battle?  How  high  was  the  bluff  occupied  by  the  Americans?  What 


181lJ  BATTLE   OF   TIPPECANOE. 

rison  hastened  from  point  to  point,  exhorting  his  men  to  keed 
an  unbroken  line  till  daylight  should  enable  them  to  drive 
the  savages  from  their  position. 

The  wounds  inflicted  by  the  Indians  were  unusually  pain 
ful,  in  consequence,  as  it  was  afterwards  found,  of  their  hav 
ing  chewed  their  bullets,  and  thus  given  them  a  rough  sur 
face,  which  tore  the  flesh  and  caused  poignant  torture.  Every 
charge  of  the  savages  was  followed  by  fearful  screams  from 
the  wounded.  Still  the  troops  maintained  their  line.  Gen. 
Harrison,  though  marked  for  special  aim,  escaped  with  no 
further  injury  than  the  loss  of  a  lock  of  hair,  cut  off  by  a 
bullet.  At  last  the  wished-for  dawn  appeared.  The  assail 
ants  were  soon  dislodged  from  their  cover,  and  pursued  to 
a  neighboring  swamp.  They  left  40  dead  upon  the  field ; 
the  Americans  lost  62  killed,  and  126  more  or  less  injured. 
Gen.  Harrison,  as  tender-hearted  as  he  was  prudent  and 
brave,  carefully  ministered  to  the  wounded,  and  shared  his 
stores  with  his  men,  who  for  a  time  had  no  food  but  horse 
flesh.  The  Prophet's  town  was  destroyed,  and  the  victorious 
army  returned  to  Vincennes.  The  defeat  of  Tippecanoe  was 
a  severe  blow  to  Tecumseh.  In  hazarding  a  battle  during 
his  absence,  the  Prophet-  disobeyed  his  direct  commands,  and 
thus  forfeited  his  confidence  ;  nor  did  the  Indians  any  longer 
believe  in  the  sacred  character  of  one  whose  predictions  and 
promises  had  proved  utterly  false. 

465.  The  twelfth  Congress  of  the  United  States  met  No 
vember  4,  1811.  It  contained  many  already  distinguished 
as  statesmen,  and  others  destined  to  become  so.  John  C. 
Calhoun,  of  South  Carolina,  appeared  for  the  first  time  in 
the  house  of  representatives  ;  Henry  Clay,  of  Kentucky,  was 
elected  speaker.  Congress  without  delay  prepared  for  war 
with  England.  It  was  resolved  to  enlist  25,000  regulars  and 

general  commanded  near  the  point  first  attacked  ?]  Describe  the  charges  of  the  Red 
Men.  What  did  Harrison  exhort  his  men  to  do?  What  is  said  of  the  wounds  inflicted 
in  this  battle  ?  What  was  the  cause  of  this  ?  What  injury  did  Gen.  Harrison  receive  ? 
On  the  appearance  of  dawn,  what  was  done?  What  was  the  loss  on  each  side?  How 
did  Gen.  Harrison  treat  his  men?  What  did  the  victorious  army  then  do?  What  ef 
fect  had  this  defeat  on  the  Prophet's  standing  ?  465.  When  did  the  twelfth  Congress 
meet  ?  What  new  members  made  their  appearance  ?  What  measures  were  taken,  in 


344  MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 

50,000  volunteers ;  and  the  respective  states  were  directed 
to  arm  and  equip  their  proportion  of  100,000  militia  for  the 
defence  of  the  coast  and  frontier.  Import  duties  generally 
were  doubled,  and  a  loan  of  $11,000,000  was  authorized. 

While  the  country  was  anxiously  waiting  for  Great  Brit 
ain's  final  response,  Louisiana  was  admitted  as  the  seven 
teenth  state  of  the  Union  [April  8,  1812],  and  the  Territory 
of  Missouri  was  organized,  with  St.  Louis  as  its  capital. 
Soon  after  the  answer  of  the  British  ministry  arrived.  They 
would  abandon  no  measures,  however  injurious  or  offensive 
to  the  United  States,  which  the  war  with  France  made  it 
their  interest  to  employ.  All  hope  of  peace  was  now  laid 
aside.  Clay,  Calhoun,  and  others,  took  the  ground  that  far 
ther  submission  would  be  incompatible  with  the  honor  of 
America.  Accordingly,  war  was  declared  by  a  vote  of  79 
to  49  in  the  house,  and  19  to  13  in  the  senate.  On  the  18th 
of  June,  1812,  President  Madison  signed  the  bill,  and  war 
was  formally  proclaimed  the  following  day. 


CHAPTER   V. 

MADISON'S   ADMINISTRATION    (CONTINUED),   1812. 

466.  ON  the  declaration  of  war,  Gen.  Dearborn,  of  Massa 
chusetts,  was  appointed  commander-in-chief  of  the  American 
army.  His  force  consisted  mostly  of  New  York  militia,  sta 
tioned  at  Plattsburg  and  on  the  Niagara  frontier.  Twelve 
hundred  Ohio  volunteers,  raised  while  the  question  of  war 
was  still  under  discussion,  together  with  300  regulars,  were 
placed  under  the  command  of  Gen.  William  Hull,  whose  rev 
olutionary  services  entitled  him  to  the  confidence  of  his 
countrymen.  Gen.  Hull  had  been  governor  of  Michigan 

anticipation  of  war?  When  was  Louisiana  admitted?  What  territory  waa  crganized? 
What  answer  did  the  British  ministry  finally  make  to  the  demands  of  America?  What 
pround  was  taken  by  Clay,  Calhoun,  and  others?  When  and  by  how  large  majorities 
was  war  declared? 

466.  Who  was  appointed  commander-in-chief  of  the  American  army  ?    Of  what  did 
his  force  mainly  consist?    To  whom  was  the  command  of  the  northwestern  army  iu- 


HULL'S  INVASION  OF  CANADA. 


345 


from  the  time  of  its  organization  as  a  territory  in  1 805  ;  and 
his  representations,  as  well  as  the  hope  of  stopping  the 
machinations  of  British  agents  and  the  Indian  outrages 
which  they  had  caused,  led  the  U.  S.  government  to  project 
an  invasion  of  Canada  as  the  first  step  in  the  campaign. 
Hull  hastened  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  to  take  command  of  his  men, 
and  led  them  by  slow  and  laborious  marches  through  the 
wilderness  towards  Detroit.  He  soon  realized  that  this 
small  force  was  totally  inadequate  to  the  object  proposed ; 
and  the  men,  on  their  side,  became  equally  convinced  of  the 
inefficiency  of  their  commander. 

467.  Gen.  Hull  had  expected  that  war  would  be  declared, 
but  by  some  mismanagement  no  news  of  that  event  reached 
him  till  some  time  after  it  was  known  to  the  British.  The 
very  day  he  received  the  intelligence,  a  boat  containing  his 
baggage,  stores,  official  papers,  <fec.,  was  captured  by  the  en 
emy.  On  the  9th  of  July,  Hull  received  instructions  to  pro 
ceed  with  the  invasion  of  Canada ;  and  three  days  afterwards 
he  crossed  to  Sandwich,  on  the  British  side  of  the  Detroit 
River.  With  an 
insignificant  force, 
containing  but  300 
men  that  had  seen 
service,  his  only 
chance  of  success 
lay  in  marching  on 
the  enemies'  posts 
before  the  Canadian 
militia  could  be 
armed  for  their  de 
fence.  Hull's  course, 
however,  was  just 
the.  opposite.  Ev 
ery  movement  was 


DETROIT 

AND 


trusted  ?  Of  whom  did  it  consist  ?  What  office  did  Gen.  Hull  hold  ?  Through  hia 
representations,  what  did  the  U.  8.  government  project?  Where  did  Hull  go  to  take 
command  of  his  men?  On  the  road  to  Detroit,  what  did  they  mutually  find ?  467. 
What  was  the  first  loss  on  the  part  of  the  Americans?  By  what  was  it  caused  ?  On  the 
9th  of  July,  what  instructions  did  Hull  receive  ?  Three  days  afterwards  what  did  he  do  ? 

15* 


34:6  MADISON'S    ADMINISTRATION. 

characterized  by  indecision  and  delay.  By  the  time  the 
American  general  was  ready  to  attack  Maiden,  the  first  Brit 
ish  fort  that  lay  before  him,  it  was  strongly  garrisoned  with 
regulars  and  militia.  New  difficulties  now  arose.  Tecumseh 
called  his  warriors  to  the  field,  and  joined  the  British  army. 
Supplies  were  cut  oft',  and  the  invaders  suffered  for  food. 
An  intercepted  letter  stated  that  all  the  Indians  of  the  North 
were  preparing  for  a  descent  on  the  United  States.  Gen. 
Dearborn  had  agreed  with  the  governor  of  Canada  to  sus 
pend  hostilities  except  on  that  part  of  the  frontier  occupied 
by  Hull ;  and  Gen.  Brock,  thus  released  from  the  necessity 
of  defending  Niagara,  was  hastening  with  reinforcements  to 
the  relief  of  Maiden.  Hull  was  not  the  man  to  hazard  an 
attack  with  all  these  dangers  before  him.  Hastily  retreating, 
he  abandoned  the  Canada  shore  and  returned  to  Detroit. 

468.  Mackinaw  was  at  this  time  one  of  the  most  exposed 
posts  belonging  to  the  United  States.     It  was  a  great  empo 
rium  for  furs,  traders  from  Albany  and  Montreal  resorting 
thither  at  certain  seasons  to  buy  from  the  Indians  the  prod 
ucts  of  their  traps  and  rifles.     Before  the  feeble  garrison  at 
this  place  had  heard  that  Avar  was  declared,  they  were  at 
tacked  by  a  force  of  British  and  Indians,  and  obliged  to 
surrender. 

469.  No  sooner  had  Gen.  Brock  reached  Maiden  and  as 
sumed  command  of  the  whole  British  army,  than  he  led 
his  forces  to  Sandwich,   and   prepared   to   attack  Detroit. 
Tecumseh  was  the  only  one  acquainted  with  the  surrounding 
country,  and  the  British  commander  called  on  him  for  infor 
mation.     Spreading  a  piece  of  elm  bark  on  the  ground,  he 
drew  his  knife  and  without  hesitation  sketched  an  accurate 
plan  of  the  whole  region,  with  its  hills,  rivers,  roads,  and 
marshes.     Brock  was  so  pleased  with  this  ready  display  of 
talent  that  he  took  a  sash  from  his  person  and  bound  it 
round  the  waist  of  his  ally.     About  this  time,  Tecumseh  was 
made  a  general  in  the  British  army. 

What  would  have  been  his  only  chance  of  success  ?  What  course  did  he  pursue  ?  What 
was  the  state  of  Maiden  by  the  time  he  was  ready  to  attack  it?  What  new  difficulties 
now  arose  to  embarrass  him?  What  did  they  lead  him  to  do?  468.  What  is  said  of 
Mackinaw?  Give  an  account  of  its  capture.  469.  What  was  Gen.  Brock's  first  step,  011 


347 

On  the  16th  of  August,  300  British  regulars,  450  Canadians, 
and  600  Indians,  crossed  the  river  a  short  distance  below 
Detroit,  under  cover  of  several  armed  vessels.  No  attempt 
was  made  to  prevent  them  from  landing ;  but,  on  their  march 
to  the  fort,  they  were  annoyed  by  parties  of  Americans.  The 
latter,  also,  stood  ready  to  receive  them  at  their  advanced 
battery,  which  was  favorably  planted,  in  such  a  way  as  to 
sweep  with  grape-shot  the  approaching  columns  of  the  en 
emy.  There  was  every  prospect  of  a  successful  resistance ; 
but,  at  the  critical  moment  when  the  order  to  fire  was  ex 
pected,  Hull,  unable  to  repress  his  fears,  seemed  to  lose  all 
presence  of  mind.  Hardly  had  shots  been  interchanged, 
when,  to  the  chagrin  of  his  men,  who  are  said  to  have  wept 
when  they  beheld  the  disgraceful  signal,  he  raised  a  white 
flag  over  the  fort.  No  stipulations  were  made  for  the  honors 
of  war.  Not  only  Detroit,  with  its  garrison,  stores,  and  pub 
lic  property  of  every  kind,  but  the  whole  of  Michigan,  was 
surrendered  to  the  British. 

470.  Gen.  Hull  was  afterwards  exchanged  for  thirty  British 
prisoners,  and  tried  by  a  court-martial  for  treason  and  cow 
ardice.     Col.  Cass  (late  U.  S.  senator  from  Michigan)  and 
other  officers  who  had  served  under  him  condemned  him  in 
unmeasured  terms ;  at  the  same  time,  it  was  clear  that  gov 
ernment  had  ordered  the  invasion  to  be  made  with  a  very 
inadequate  force,  and  had  not  properly  supported  the  army 
of  the  Northwest  or  attended  to  the  suggestions  of  its  gen 
eral.     Hull  was  found  guilty  of  cowardice  and  sentenced  to 
be  shot ;  but,  in  consideration  of  his  Revolutionary  services, 
he  was  pardoned  by  the  president. 

471.  About -the  time  that  Detroit  surrendered,  Fort  Dear 
born,  on  the  present  site  of  Chicago,  was  invested  by  a  body 
of  savages.    The  commander,  feeling  that  he  could  not  make 

resuming  commaud  of  the  British?  How  did  he  obtain  information  respecting  tl.o 
surrounding  country  ?  Uow  did  he  reward  Tecuinseh  ?  [See  Map,  p.  345.— What  river 
separates  Detroit  from  Sandwich?  What  two  lakes  does  the  Detroit  River  connect  ? 
In  what  direction  is  Sandwich  from  Maiden  ?]  What  movement  was  made  by  Brock  ou 
the  ICth  of  August?  How  were  the  British  annoyed  on  their  advance?  What  is  s»aid 
of  the  Americans'  advanced  battery?  "What  was  the  prospect?  Give  an  account  of 
Hull's  conduct  What  did  the  British  gain  by  this  surrender?  470.  Give  an  account 
of  Hull's  trial  and  sentence.  471.  About  this  time  what  fort  was  invested  by  savaged 


34:8  MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [i§ia 

good  a  defence  with  his  small  garrison,  proposed  to  surren 
der  the  post  on  condition  that  he  and  his  men  should  be 
allowed  to  retire  in  safety.  The  Indians  assented ;  but, 
learning  that  a  quantity  of  powder  and  whiskey  had  been 
destroyed  to  prevent  its  falling  into  their  hands,  they  at 
tacked  the  retreating  soldiers  on  their  march,  killed  some, 
und  distributed  the  survivors  among  the  neighboring  tribes. 
The  next  day  they  burned  Fort  Dearborn  to  the  ground. 

472.  The  mortification  of  the  American  people  at  the  loss 
of  Detroit  was  relieved  by  the  triumphs  of  their  brave  sailors. 
The  whole  efficient  naval  force  of  the  country  consisted  of  8 
frigates,  8  sloops  and  brigs,  and  170  small  gunboats.  With 
these  was  to  be  encountered  the  proud  mistress  of  the  ocean, 
with  her  thousand  vessels.  About  the  middle  of  July,  Cap- 
tain  Isaac  Hull,  in  the  American  frigate  Constitution,  fell  in 
with  a  British  squadron  and  was  chased  by  five  vessels,  but 
managed  to  escape  by  superior  seamanship.  On  the  19th  of 
August,  while  cruising  near  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  he  en 
countered  the  Guerriere  [gare-e-dref]  one  of  the  finest  frigates 
in  the  British  navy.  She  had  for  some  time  been  on  the 
lookout  for  Yankee  craft,  as  her  officers  contemptuously 
called  them,  and  carried  at  her  mast-heads  two  flags,  one 
with  her  name,  the  other  bearing  the  inscription  "  Not  the 
Little  Belt,"  alluding  to  the  vessel  which  had  been  roughly 
handled  by  the  President  before  the  war.  The  Constitution 
made  ready  for  action,  and  approached  the  enemy.  Broad 
sides  were  received  from  the  Guerriere,  and  several  men  fell 
at  the  guns.  The  crew  burned  with  impatience  to  return 
the  fire ;  still  no  order  was  given.  At  last  the  experienced 
eye  of  Hull  told  him  that  he  had  reached  the  right  position, 
and  in  a  voice  of  thunder  he  gave  the  word.  Broadside 
after  broadside  was  poured  in.  The  decks  of  the  Guerriere 
were  swept ;  her  masts  fell ;  she  became  unmanageable  and 

What  did  its  commander  propose?  State  what  followed.  What  was  done  to  tho  fort? 
472  How  was  the  mortification  of  the  Americans  at  the  loss  of  Detroit  relieved  ?  How 
large  was  the  naval  force  of  America  and  Great  Britain  at  the  commencement  of  the 
war?  What  frisrate  was  commanded  by  Capt  Isaac  Hull  ?  What  befell  him  in  July  ? 
What  on  the  19th  of  August  ?  What  flags  did  the  Guerriere  carry  ?  Give  an  account  of 
tho  engagement  between  the  Constitution  and  the  Guerriere.  What  was  the  loss  on 


1812]         ACHIEVEMENTS    OF   THE    AMERICAN    NAVY.  349 

struck  her  colors.  Fifteen  of  her  men  were  killed  and  sixty- 
three  wounded.  She  had  received  such  injuries  that  it  was 
impossible  to  bring  her  into  port,  and  the  next  day  she  was 
blown  up.  The  Constitution  had  but  seven  men  killed  and 
seven  wounded. 

473.  Capt.  Porter,  of  the  Essex,  soon  afterwards  separated 
a  British  brig  from  her  convoy,  and  found  on  board  $14,000 
in  specie  and  150  soldiers.     He  next  captured  the  Alert  after 
an  action  of  eight  minutes.     The  frigate  President  had  the 
good  fortune  to  overhaul  an  English  packet  with  $200,000 
on  board ;  and  the  Argus  took  several  valuable  prizes  which 
she  brought  safely  into  the  port  of  New  York.     Lieutenant 
Elliott  (since  Commodore)  made  an  important  capture  on 
Lake  Erie  in  October,  taking  the  Caledonia  as  she  lay  in 
fancied  security  under  the  guns  of  a  British  fort,  and  bring 
ing  her  off  with  a  cargo  of  furs  worth  $200,000.     Commo 
dore  Chauncey  also  operated  with  success  on  the  same  lake, 
having  got  together  a  few  vessels  mounting  in  all  32  guns, 
with  which  he  kept  in  check  a  British  fleet  bearing  six  times 
that  number. 

474.  Capt.  Jacob  Jones,  in  the  sloop  Wasp,  also  sustained 
the  honor  of  the  American  arms.     On  the  13th  of  October, 
he  met  the  British  brig  Frolic,  convoying  a  fleet  of  mer 
chantmen,  and  an  action  ensued.     The  Frolic  fired  as  she 
rose  on  the  waves,  and  only  injured  the  rigging  of  her  antag 
onist.     The  Wasp  poured  in  her  broadside  as  she  descended, 
and  nearly  every  shot  told  on  the  hull  of  the  enemy.     Hav 
ing  approached  the  Frolic  so  near  that  his  rammers  while 
he  was  loading  touched  her  side,  Capt.  Jones  ordered  his 
men  to  board.    A  melancholy  scene  of  destruction  lay  before 
them.     The  decks  were  covered  with  dead  and  dying.     The 
colors  were  left  flying,  only  because  there  was  no  one  to 
haul  them  down.     But  three  officers  and  a  private  at  the 
helm  were  left  alive  on  deck.     Unfortunately  the  Americans 

each  side  ?  What  became  of  the  Guerriere  ?  478.  What  achievements  were  performed 
by  Captain  Porter?  "What  was  done  by  the  President  and  the  Argus?  What  capture 
was  made  on  Lake  Erie  ?  Describe  Commodore  Chauncey's  operations  on  the  same 
lake.  4T4.  Who  commanded  the  Wasp  ?  What  brig  did  he  encounter  ?  Give  an  account 
of  the  engagement  On  boarding  tho  Frolic,  what  did  Captain  Jones  find  ?  What  hap- 


350 

could  not  secure  their  prize.  The  British  seventy-four, 
Poictiers,  [picah-te-d'],  coming  along  before  the  Wasp  could 
make  sail,  captured  both  vessels  and  took  them  into  Bermuda. 

475.  The  frigate  United  States  was  commanded  by  Capt. 
Decatur,  one  of  the  heroes  of  the  Tripolitan  War.     On  the 
25th  of  October,  1812,  he  encountered  the  British  frigate 
Macedonian  off  the  Azores.     After  an  action  of  an  hour  and 
a  half,  the  Macedonian  surrendered.    Decatur  was  as  distin 
guished  for  courtesy  as  courage.     When  Capt.  Garden  ten 
dered  his  sword  to  him,  he  replied  that  he  could  not  think 
of  taking  the  sword  of  an  officer  who  had  defended  himself 
BO  gallantly,  but  would  be  happy  to  grasp  his  hand. 

476.  Commodore  Bainbridge,  in  the  Constitution,  on  the 
29th  of  December,  added  another  to  the  brilliant  triumphs 
of  the  American  navy.     Running  along  the  coast  of  Brazil, 
he  descried  a  British  frigate,  and  gave  chase.     After  a  spir 
ited  action,  which  lasted  an  hour,  the  enemy  struck.     The 
captured  vessel  was  found  to  be  the  Java.    She  carried  fewer 
guns  than  the  Constitution,  but  a  larger  force ;  having,  be 
sides  her  regular  crew,  100  men  designed  for  the  East  India 
service. 

The  news  of  these  achievements  raised  the  national  en 
thusiasm  to  the  highest  pitch.  Those  hearts  of  oak  who 
had  thus  won  glory  for  America  on  a  field  where  it  was  least 
expected,  received  the  grateful  homage  of  the  nation.  Con 
gress  rewarded  them  with  complimentary  resolutions  as  well 
as  something  more  substantial.  Fifty  thousand  dollars  was 
appropriated  as  prize  money  to  the  Constitution  for  the  cap 
ture  of  the  Guerriere,  and  a  like  amount  for  the  Java.  The 
crew  of  the  Wasp  received  $25,000  ;  and  $100,000  went  to 
the  captors  of  the  Macedonian.  Besides  those  mentioned, 
a  number  of  minor  actions  took  place  from  time  to  time,  in 
which  the  Americans  were  for  the  most  part  victorious.  Pri- 

pened  before  the  Wasp  could  make  sail  ?  475,  By  whom  was  the  United  States  com 
manded  ?  What  vessel  did  she  encounter  ?  When  and  where  ?  What  was  the  result  ? 
What  passed  between  Capt.  Garden  and  Decatur  ?  476.  What  engagement  took  place 
off  the  coast  of  Brazil  ?  When?  How  did  the  vessels  compare  in  force?  What  was 
the  result  of  the  engagement?  How  was  the  news  of  these  achievements  received? 
How  were  their  heroes  rewarded  ?  What  is  said  of  the  minor  actions  that  took  place  ? 


BATTLE    OF    QUEENSTOWN. 


351 


ONTARIO 


vateers  scoured  the  ocean,  and  British  commerce  suffered  as 
it  had  never  done  before.  In  the  course  of  the  year,  250 
vessels  and  3,000  sailors,  besides  valuable  cargoes,  were  cap 
tured  from  the  enemy. 

477.  Meanwhile  important 
events  were  transpiring  on  the 
frontier  of  New  York.  By 
the  time  the  armistice  granted 
by  Gen.  Dearborn  had  termi 
nated,  a  body  of  militia  and  a 
few  regulars  had  gathered  at 
Lewiston,  on  the  Niagara  Riv 
er,  under  Gen.Van  Rensselaer. 
The  troops  were  impatient  for 
action,  and  their  commander 
determined  to  cross  the  Niag 
ara  and  make  an  attack  on 
Queenstown.  With  some  dif 
ficulty  boats  were  procured ; 
and,  on  the  13th  of  October, 
the  van  of  the  invading  army 
crossed  under  Colonels  Van 
Rensselaer  and  Christie,  who 
were  joined  by  Lieutenant-colonel  (now  Lieutenant-general) 
Scott  as  a  volunteer.  The  British  were  driven  from  their 
batteries,  and  the  heights  were  speedily  carried.  Rallying 
under  Gen.  Brock,  they  attempted  to  regain  their  ground, 
but  were  repulsed  with  loss,  their  commander  himself  falling 
with  a  mortal  wound.  The  Americans  now  desired  to  fortify 
their  position,  but  no  implements  had  been  brought  over. 
Not  more  than  a  thousand  men  had  as  yet  crossed  ;  and  as 


THE   NIAGARA   FRONTIER. 


How  many  British  vessels  and  sailors  were  captured  in  1812?  4TT.  Where  were  im 
portant  events  meanwhile  transpiring?-  Where  had  some  American  militia  assembled  * 
Under  whom?  [See  Map. — How  is  Lewiston  situated?  What  place  is  opposite  to  it, 
on  the  Canada  side?  In  what  direction  does  the  Niagara  River  flow?  What  lakes 
does  it  connect?  Is  Queenstown  above  or  below  the  Falls?  What  islands  in  the  Ni 
agara?]  What  did  Van  Rensselaer  determine  to  do?  When  did  the  van  of  the  inva 
ding  army  cross?  Under  what  leaders ?  Give  an  account  of  their  movements.  After 
carrying  the  heights,  what  did  the  Americans  desire  to  do  ?  What  prevented  them  from 


352  MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 

there  was  immediate  necessity  for  reinforcements  to  meet 
the  fresh  columns  of  British  and  Indians,  advancing  undei 
Gen.  Sheaffe  [shefe],  Van  Rensselaer  returned  to  Lewiston 
to  hasten  the  embarkation  of  his  remaining  troops.  The 
men  stood  ready  on  the  shore  ;  but  the  sight  of  their  wound 
ed  comrades  brought  back  to  camp  had  suddenly  dampened 
their  ardor.  They  denied  the  constitutional  right  of  the 
general  to  lead  them  out  of  their  own  state,  and  refused  to 
embark.  Meanwhile  those  on  the  Canada  side,  thus  basely 
abandoned  to  the  enemy,  after  maintaining  for  a  while  an 
unequal  struggle,  at  length  had  to  surrender.  Sixty  were 
killed,  100  wounded,  and  the  rest  were  taken  prisoners.  Yan 
Rensselaer  resigned  his  command  in  disgust,  and  was  suc 
ceeded  by  Gen.  Smyth,  who  was  a  good  tactician,  but  had 
seen  little  service.  After  projecting  two  invasions  of  Can 
ada,  both  of  which  were  unsuccessful,  Smyth  also  resigned. 

478.  Thus  far  the  reverses  of  the  Americans  on  land  had 
been  as  decided  as  their  triumphs  on   the  ocean.     Twice 
they  repulsed  the   enemy  at  Ogdensburg,  and   these  suc 
cesses,  with  the  defeat  of  a  party  of  British  and  Indians  by 
Col.  Pike  during  a  rapid  incursion  into  Canada,  were  the 
only  victories  of  which  they  could  boast.     Nothing  more 
was  attempted  dm  ing  the  remainder  of  the  season.     The 
presidential  election  engrossed  the  attention  of  the  people 
during  the  fall,  Madison  being  warmly  opposed  by  those  who 
condemned  the  war.     He  was  chosen,  however,  for  another 
term,  and  the  vice-presidency  was  conferred  on  Elbridge 
Gerry,  of  Massachusetts. 

479.  The  reassembling  of  Congress  in  November  was  the 
signal  for  violent  discussion  between  the  advocates  and  op 
ponents  of  the  war.     The  latter  pointed  to  the  successive 
defeats  of  the  campaign,  and  complained  in  strong  terms  of 
the  inefficient  measures  of  government.     Still  Congress  pre- 

BO  doing?  How  many  Americans  had  crossed?  What  rendered  it  necessary  to  have 
immediate  reinforcements  ?  Where  did  Van  Rensselaer  go  ?  What  position  did  his  men 
take?  What  was  the  consequence  of  this  cowardly  conduct?  What  was  the  American 
loss?  What  did  Van  Rensselaer  do?  By  whom  was  he  succeeded?  What  is  said  of 
Gen.  Smyth?  478.  What  had  thus  far  been  the  fortune  of  the  Americans  on  land? 
What  were  the  only  victories  of  which  they  could  boast  ?  479.  What  ensued  on  the 


1813]  COMMENCEMENT   OF   HIS    SECOND   TERM.  353 

pared  to  prosecute  hostilities  with  vigor.  Provision  was 
made  for  the  increase  of  the  army,  and  the  construction  of 
four  ships-of-the-line,  six  frigates,  and  six  sloops-of-war. 


CHAPTER   VI. 

MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION  (CONTINUED),  1813. 

480.  EARLY  in   1813,  in  deference  to  public  sentiment, 
Madison   made  some   changes   in   his  cabinet;    appointing 
William  Jones,  of  Pennsylvania,  head  of  the  navy  depart 
ment,  and  Gen.  Armstrong  secretary  of  war.     James  Mon 
roe,  who  had  been  secretary  of  state  ever  since  the  com 
mencement  of  the  war,  continued  at  the  head  of  the  cabinet. 
The  thirteenth  Congress  commenced  an  extra  session  on  the 
24th  of  May.     Daniel  Webster  took  his  seat  for  the  first 
time  in  the  house  of  representatives,  and  Henry  Clay  was 
reflected  speaker.     The  federalists,  as  a  body,  constantly 
voted  against  the  measures  proposed  by  government.    Some 
of  them,  however,  including  Rufus  King,  senator  from  New 
York,  supported  the  president  on  the  ground,  that,  though 
unwisely  commenced,  the  war  should  be  vigorously  prose 
cuted. 

481.  The  only  force  in  the  field  for  the  protection  of  the 
western  frontier,  after  the  fall  of  Detroit,  was  a  body  of  Ken 
tucky  volunteers,  who  had  promptly  responded  to  the  call 
of  the  executive,  before  the  news  of  Hull's  surrender  was 
received.     In  accordance  with  the  universal  wish,  the  gov 
ernor  of  Kentucky  had  appointed  Gen.  Harrison  to  the  com 
mand  of  this  force,  though  he  was  not  a  resident  of  the  state. 
Hardly  had  Harrison  joined  his  men,  and  inspired  them  with 


reassembling  of  Congress?    Of  what  did  the  opponents  of  the  war  complain? 
measures  were  taken  by  Congress? 

4SO.  Early  in  1813,  what  changes  were  made  in  the  cabinet?  Who  remained  secre 
tary  of  state?  When  did  Congress  meet?  "Who  appeared  in  the  lower  house  for  the 
Urst  time  ?  Who  was  elected  speaker  ?  What  was  the  course  of  most  of  the  federalists  ? 
What  position  was  taken  by  a  portion  of  that  party  ?  481.  What  was  the  only  force 
now  in  the  field  for  the  defence  of  the  western  frontier  ?  Who  was  appointed  to  tht-ir 


354:  MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 

confidence  and  enthusiasm,  when  he  was  obliged  to  give  way 
to  Gen.  Winchester,  whom  the  national  government  had  ap 
pointed  to  the  command  of  the  northwestern  army.  The 
volunteers  expressed  their  dissatisfaction  freely  ;  and  it  was 
found  expedient  to  yield  to  their  wishes,  and  supersede  Win 
chester  with  the  veteran  who  more  than  all  others  enjoyed 
the  confidence  of  the  West.  With  his  commission  Harrison 
received  extraordinary  powers,  which  no  officer  before  him 
had  enjoyed  except  Washington  and  Greene  in  the  Revolu 
tion.  He  was  required  to  defend  the  whole  frontier  from 
Pennsylvania  to  Missouri,  and  immediately  began  to  reor 
ganize  the  army. 

October,  1812,  found  Harrison  and  his  men  on  the  march 
for  Detroit,  which  post  it  was  resolved  to  recover.  Their 
route  lay  through  a  swamp  that  seemed  interminable,  and 
the  soldiers  suffered  much.  Their  officers,  however,  bore 
every  hardship  with  them,  and  they  continued  to  advance. 
Their  progress  was  necessarily  slow,  and  the  approach  of 
winter  obliged  Gen.  Harrison  to  defer  the  attack  on  Detroit 
till  spring.  He  fixed  his  head-quarters  at  Franklinton,  Ohio, 
and  stationed  a  division  of  his  army,  under  Gen.  Winchester, 
at  Fort  Defiance,  on  the  Maumee. 

482.  Early  in  January,  1813,  Winchester  received  infor 
mation  that  the  inhabitants  of  Frenchtown,  on  the  Raisin 
River,  were  in  danger  of  attack ;  and,  though  he  thereby 
ran  the  risk  of  disconcerting  the  plans  of  his  commander,  he 
marched  forth  to  their  help.  The  enemy  were  found  and  dis 
persed.  Shortly  afterwards,  Winchester's  camp  was  attacked 
by  an  army  of  1,500  British  and  Indians,  from  Maiden,  under 
Proctor.  After  a  struggle,  which  cost  each  party  not  far 
from  300  men,  the  surviving  Americans  surrendered  on  the 

command  by  the  goTernor  of  Kentucky?  Who,  by  the  national  government?  What 
change  did  the  administration  soon  find  it  expedient  to  make  ?  What  powers  were  in* 
trusted  to  Gen.  Harrison  ?  What  was  he  required  to  do  ?  Where  were  Harrison  and 
his  men  in  October,  1812?  What  post  was  it  proposed  to  recover?  Give  an  account 
of  their  march.  What  did  the  approach  of  winter  compel  Harrison  to  do  ?  Where  did 
he  fix  his  head-quarters?  Where  was  Gen.  Winchester  stationed  ?  482.  What  infor 
mation  did  Winchester  receive  early  in  January  ?  [See  Map,  p.  845. — Where  is  Fort 
Defiance?  Into  what  does  the  Maumee  empty  ?  Where  is  Frenchtown  ?  Into  what 
does  the  Kaisin  empty  ?]  What  did  Winchester  do?  Give  an  account  of  his  oxpedi- 


1813]  SIEGE    OF    FORT    MEIGS.  355 

recommendation  of  their  general,  who  had  been  taken,  and 
the  pledge  that  their  lives  and  property  should  be  safe. 
Proctor  immediately  returned  to  Maiden  with  such  of  his 
prisoners  as  were  able  to  walk,  leaving  the  rest  behind 
without  any  guard  to  protect  them  from  his  bloodthirsty 
allies.  Hardly  had  the  British  departed  when  the  savages 
gave  free  vent  to  their  passions,  robbing,  torturing,  and  scalp 
ing  their  defenceless  victims.  The  British  officer  left  in  com 
mand  made  no  attempt  to  save  the  sufferers.  To  revenge 
the  losses  they  had  sustained  in  the  battle,  the  Indians  finally 
set  fire  to  two  houses  in  which  most  of  the  wounded  were 
crowded,  driving  back  into  the  flames  those  who  attempted 
to  escape.  Such  of  the  Americans  as  survived  these  atroci 
ties  were  taken  to  Detroit,  where  they  were  dvagged 
through  the  streets  and  oifered  for  sale.  The  people  of  the 
place  sacrificed  every  thing  they  could  spare  to  ransom  them, 
and  remonstrated  with  Proctor  for  allowing  such  barbarities, 
but  without  effect. 

483.  The  loss  of  this  important  division  deranged  General 
Harrison's  plans.  He  was  too  weak  to  attack  Detroit,  and 
could  only  hope  to  hold  the  ground  already  occupied.  Fort 
Meigs  [inegz]  was  commenced  at  the  Rapids  of  the  Maumee; 
and  the  whole  American  force,  1,200  strong,  labored  day 
and  night  to  complete  it  before  the  enemy  should  gather  for 
its  attack.  They  needed  all  their  haste.  Hardly  had  they 
completed  their  works,  and  surrounded  them  with  a  ditch 
dug  in  the  frozen  ground,  when  Proctor  with  his  British,  and 
Tecumseh  with  600  warriors  from  the  Wabash,  appeared 
before  the  fort.  Their  batteries  opened  on  the  1st  of  May, 
but  a  high  breastwork  of  earth  protected  the  Americans,  and 
little  impression  was  made  on  their  defences.  The  Indians 
fired  into  the  fort  from  trees,  which  they  climbed  for  the  pur 
pose.  On  one  occasion,  a  soldier  was  mortally  wounded  at 

tion.  By  whom  was  he  attacked  at  Frenchtown  ?  What  was  the  result  of  the  battle  ? 
How  did  Proctor  keep  his  pledge  ?  How  were  the  prisoners  that  were  left  behind  treat 
ed?  483.  What  was  the  consequence  of  the  loss  of  this  division  ?  What  was  the  most 
that  Uarrison  could  hope  to  do?  What  fort  was  erected?  Where?  By  whom  was  it 
soon  invested  ?  When  did  the  enemy  open  their  batteries?  By  what  were  the  Amer 
icans  protected  ?  llow  did  the  Indians  try  to  pick  off  the  garrison  ?  What  narrow 


356 

the  side  of  Harrison ;  on  another,  a  ball  struck  the  bench 
on  which  the  general  was  sitting.  Still  he  escaped,  though 
constantly  employed  in  directing  the  defences.  His  exam 
ple  made  every  man  a  hero. 

On  the  4th  of  May,  news  reached  the  beleaguered  garri 
son  that  Gen.  Clay,  who  had  come  by  rapid  marches  with  a 
reinforcement  of  1,200  Kentuckians,  was  within  a  few  miles 
of  the  fort.  Harrison  sent  orders  that  a  detachment  from 
this  force  should  land  on  the  left  side  of  the  river  and  de 
stroy  the  British  batteries,  while  a  sortie  was  made  from  the 
fort  against  those  on  the  right  side.  The  latter  movement 
succeeded,  and  45  prisoners  were  taken.  On  the  left  side, 
Col.  Dudley  was  less  fortunate.  His  men  gallantly  drove 
the  British  from  their  batteries ;  but  the  joy  of  Gen.  Harri 
son,  who  was  watching  them  with  his  glass,  was  turned  into 
consternation,  when,  instead  of  retreating  to  their  boats,  ac 
cording  to  his  orders,  he  saw  them  preparing  to  maintain 
their  position.  Already  the  main  body  of  the  enemy  was 
in  motion  to  intercept  them.  Foreseeing  their  fate  unless 
they  saved  themselves  by  an  immediate  retreat,  Harrison 
offered  $1,000  to  any  one  who  would  cross  the  river  and 
warn  Col.  Dudley  of  his  danger.  The  mission  was  under 
taken  ;  but,  before  the  messenger  could  get  across,  the  Amer 
icans  were  cut  off.  About  80  were  killed,  and  550  taken 
prisoners  ;  150  escaped  to  their  boats. 

The  prisoners  were  treated  with  the  usual  barbarity.  Gen. 
Proctor  took  no  pains  to  save  them.  The  savages,  while 
glutting  their  thirst  for  blood,  were  suddenly  startled  by  ter 
rible  shouts  in  their  own  tongue,  and  the  next  moment  Te- 
cumseh  dashed  into  the  circle.  Two  Indians  were  in  the  act 
of  killing  a  helpless  American  who  had  surrendered.  Hurl 
ing  the  murderers  to  the  earth,  he  drew  his  knife  and  tom 
ahawk,  and  dared  any  of  the  affrighted  throng  to  take  the 
life  of  an  unresisting  prisoner.  Even  Proctor  escaped  not 

escapes  had  Gen.  Harrison  ?  What  news  reached  the  garrison  of  Fort  Meigs,  on  the  4tb 
of  May  ?  What  orders  were  sent  by  Harrison  ?  What  was  the  success  of  the  sally  ? 
What  was  Col.  Dudley's  success  on  the  other  side  ?  What  fatal  mistake  did  he  make  ? 
What  did  Harrison  soon  see?  How  did  he  try  to  save  them  ?  What  was  the  result? 
How  were  the  prisoners  treated?  Describe  Tecumseh's  noble  conduct.  What  passed 


1813 1  FALL   OF   CAPTAIN   LAWRENCE.  357 

the  rebuke  of  the  indignant  chief,  who  on  various  occasions 
displayed  a  more  Christian  spirit  than  his  Christian  ally. 
"Your  Indians  can  not  be  restrained,"  was  Proctor's  answer. 
"  Go  put  on  petticoats,"  indignantly  interrupted  Tecumseh ; 
"  you  are  not  fit  to  command  men.'.'  Finding  that  he  could 
neither  frighten  Harrison  into  a  surrender,  nor  make  any 
impression  on  his  defences,  the  British  general  soon  aban 
doned  the  siege. 

484.  The  gallantry  of  American  seamen,  though  not  mark 
ed  by  the  same  uniform  success  as  in  the  preceding  year, 
continued  to  be  the  theme  of  admiration.  On  the  23rd  of 
February,  Capt.  James  Lawrence,  in  the  Hornet,  after  hav 
ing  shortly  before  captured  a  brig  containing  $20,000,  en 
countered  off  the  coast  of  South  America  the  Peacock,  a 
vessel  about  equal  in  size  to  his  own.  After  an  action  of  fif 
teen  minutes,  the  Peacock  struck,  and  raised  signals  of  dis 
tress.  She  was  found  to  be  sinking  rapidly,  and,  despite  the 
efforts  of  both  victors  and -vanquished,  went  down,  carrying 
some  of  her  own  crew,  and  three  of  the  Hornet's.  Captain 
Lawrence,  on  his  return  to  port,  wras  greeted  with  the  usual 
honors,  and  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  frigate  Chesa 
peake.  Sailing  out  of  Boston,  with  imperfect  equipments 
and  an  ill-assorted  crew,  he  met  the  British  frigate  Shannon. 
Early  in  the  action,  the  brave  Lawrence  was  wounded.  His 
last  order  as  he  was  carried  below,  "Don't  give  up  the  ship!" 
has  ever  since  served  as  a  watchword  for  American  sailors. 
In  a  few  moments,  a  hand  grenade  thrown  from  the  deck  of 
the  Shannon  fell  in  the  Chesapeake's  arm-chest  and  exploded 
with  disastrous  effect.  The  enemy  immediately  boarded, 
and  the  Chesapeake  was  soon  theirs.  In  killed  and  wound 
ed  she  had  lost  nearly  350  men,  to  79  on  the  part  of  the 
British.  Capt.  Lawrence  expired  after  four  days'  suffering 
(at  the  age  of  31),  and  was  buried  at  Halifax  with  the  hon 
ors  of  war.  His  remains  were  afterwards  removed  to  New 
York. 

between  him  and  Proctor?  4S4.  What  is  said  of  the  gallantry  of  American  seamen 
during  the  year  1813?  Give  an  account  of  the  engagement  between  the  Hornet  and  the 
Peacock.  To  what  vessel  was  Capt  Lawrence  appointed  on  his  return?  Give  an  ac 
count  of  the  engagement  between  the  Chesapeake  and  the  Shannon.  What  was  the  loss 


358 


MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 


[1813 


FALL  OF  CAPTAIN  LAWRENCE, — "DON'T  GIVE  TTP  THE  SHIP." 

This  reverse  was  followed  by  another  in  August.  The 
sloop  Argus,  after  carrying  the  American  minister  to  France, 
had  cruised  in  the  British  Channel,  committing  great  havoc 
among  the  enemy's  shipping.  Several  vessels  started  in  pur 
suit,  one  of  which  discovered  her  by  the  light  of  a  ship  that 
she  had  taken  and  fired.  A  well-contested  action  followed, 
which  resulted  in  the  capture  of  the  Argus  and  the  destruc 
tion  of  a  great  part  of  her  crew. 

Commodore  Porter,  in  the  Essex,  had  selected  the  Pacific 
for  his  sphere  of  action.  In  a  five  months'  cruise,  extending 
over  the  summer  of  1813,  he  captured  twelve  armed  wha 
lers,  of  which  he  fitted  up  several  as  tenders,  and  dispatched 
others  to  the  United  States  with  valuable  cargoes  of  oil. — 
On  the  5th  of  September,  Lieut.  Burrows,  in  the  Enterprise, 
a  few  days'  sail  from  Portland,  fell  in  with  the  English  vessel 


on  each  side  ?    What  became  of  Capt  Lawrence  ?    What  reverse  followed  in  August  f 
Eecount  Commodore  Porter's  achievements.     Describe  the  conflict  between  the  En- 


1813]  CAPTURE   OF   YORK.  359 

Boxer.  The  British  had  nailed  their  colors  to  the  mast,  so 
that  they  could  not  draw  them  down  ;  but,  after  an  engage 
ment  of  more  than  half  an  hour,  in  which  both  commanders 
were  mortally  wounded,  they  cried  for  quarter  and  surren 
dered.  Burrows  refused  to  be  carried  from  the  deck.  When 
the  sword  of  his  vanquished  adversary  was  presented  to  him, 
he  pressed  it  to  his  heart,  and  said,  "  I  die  contented".  The 
two  commanders  were  buried  side  by  side  with  military  hon 
ors  at  Portland,  y 

j.^485.  In  the  spring  of  1813,  the  British  government,  feeling 
assured  that  the  war  with  Napoleon  would  soon  terminate, 
sent  over  additional  forces  for  the  defence  of  their  possessions 
in  the  new  world.  The  Americans,  not  discouraged  by  the 
last  campaign,  still  contemplated  an  invasion  of  Canada ;  and 
the  brave  Pike,  now  raised  to  the  rank  of  brigadier-gem-ral, 
was  laboriously  drilling  2,000  of  his  countrymen  at  Sackett's 
Harbor,  to  prepare  them  for  a  descent  as  soon  as  the  season 
would*  allow.  On  the  25th  of  April,  V[00  picked  men  em 
barked  ;  and,  crossing  Lake  Ontario,  they  landed  on  the  27th, 
in  face  of  a  severe  fire  from  the  wiemy,  two  miles  from  To 
ronto  (then  called  York),  the  capital  of  Upper  Canada.  Two 
redoubts  having  been  taken,  Gen.  Pike  halted  his  columns 
within  300  yards  of  the  British  barracks,  which  seemed  to 
be  abandoned.  An  officer  was  sent  forward  to  reconnoitre. 
Suddenly  the  air  was  rent  by  a  deafening  explosion.  The 
earth  shook.  Huge  logs  and  heavy  masses  of  stones  were 
scattered  in  all  directions.  The  British  had  connected  a 
slow  match  with  their  magazine,  and  lighted  it  as  they  re 
tired. 

Had  the  Americans  not  halted  as  they  did,  few  would  have 
survived  to  tell  the  sad  story;  as  it  was,  200  of  their  number 
were  instantly  killed  or  wounded.  Pike  was  felled  to  the 
earth  by  a  heavy  stone ;  but,  forgetting  the  anguish  of  his 

terprise  and  the  Boxer.  Describe  Burrows'  death-scene.  Where  were  the  two  com 
manders  buried  ?  485.  What  was  done  by  Great  Britain  in  the  spring  of  1813  ?  What 
did  the  Americans  still  contemplate  ?  How  was  Gen.  Pike  preparing  for  the  invasion  ? 
When  did  the  invading  army  start?  Where  did  they  land?  After  taking  two  re 
doubts,  what  did  Gen.  Pike  do?  What  followed?  How  was  the  explosion  caused? 
How  many  Americans  were  disabled  ?  Who  was  among  the  number  ?  What  did  Piko 


360 

mutilated  frame,  he  cried  out  to  his  men,  "  Move  on,  my 
brave  fellows,  and  revenge  your  general !"  And  they  did 
move  on,  with  three  loud  huzzas.  The  British  gave  way. 
Gen.  Sheaffe,  with  a  portion  of  his  regulars,  escaped ;  the 
rest  surrendered.  York,  together  with  public  property  to  the 
amount  of  half  a  million  of  dollars,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
victors.  Among  the  trophies  transmitted  to  the  War  De 
partment  was  the  mace  used  by  the  speaker  of  the  provincial 
legislature,  above  which  a  human  scalp  was  found  suspended. 
Gen.  Pike  lived  long  enough  to  hear  the  victorious  shouts  of 
his  men  and  to  have  the  captured  flag  of  the  enemy  placed 
under  his  head ;  then  the  light  'gradually  faded  from  his  eye, 
and  he  expired  without  a  groan.  This  brave  man  had  pre 
viously  distinguished  himself  by  his  explorations  in  the  ser 
vice  of  government,  having  been  the  first  to  penetrate  the 
wilds  of  Kansas  and  the  valley  of  the  Upper  Mississippi. 

486.  After  their  victory  at  York,  the  American^army,  re 
inforced  to  6,000  men,  and  led  by  Generals  Dearborn  and 
Lewis,  proceeded  to  Fort  George  near  the  mouth  of  the 
Niagara  River  [see  Map,  p.  351].  This  post  was  taken  with 
out  difficulty,  and  along  with  it  a  number  of  prisoners,  though 
most  of  the  garrison  made  good  their  escape.  The  enemy, 
hi  alarm,  blew  up  their  remaining  posts  online  Niagara  River, 
and  retreated  to  Burlington  Heights,  at  the  western  extrem 
ity  of  Lake  Ontario.  A  superior  force  of  Americans  set  out 
in  their  pursuit,  but  were  attacked  at  night  by  the  British, 
while  encamped  a  few  miles  from  their  lines.  The  enemy 
were  so  warmly  received  that  they  beat  a  retreat,  but  they 
had  managed  in  the  melee  to  capture  the  American  generals, 
and  the  officer  left  in  command  shrunk  from  the  responsi 
bility  of  further  offensive  operations,  and  fell  back  to  await 
orders  from  Dearborn.  This  was  unfortunate ;  an  immediate 


tell  his  men?  What  was  the  result?  What  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victors?  What 
trophy  was  sent  to  the  War  Department  ?  Describe  Gen.  Pike's  death-scene.  For  what 
besides  his  military  talents  was  he  distinguished  ?  486.  Where  did  the  American  army 
next  proceed  ?  [See  Map,  p.  351.— Where  is  Fort  George  ?  What  place  nearly  opposite 
to  It  on  the  New  York  side  ?]  By  whom  were  the  Americans  led  ?  What  post  was 
taken  ?  What  was  done  by  the  enemy  ?  Who  set  out  in  their  pursuit  ?  What  took 
place  during  the  night  ?  Who  were  captured  in  the  inelee  ?  What  was  the  consequence  ? 


1813]  SIEGE   OF    FORT   STEPHENSON.  361 

attack  on  the  British  could  hardly  have  failed  of  success,  for 
their  general  also  had  been  separated  from  his  army  in  the 
darkness,  and  was  found  the  next  day^  several  miles  from 
camp  with  neither  hat  nor  sword. — During  the  absence  of 
the  American  troops  on  this  expedition,  a  thousand  of  the 
enemy  made  a  descent  on  Sackett's  Harbor ;  after  destroying 
some  of  the  stores  there  collected,  they  were  repulsed  by  the 
militia  under  Gen.  Brown,  with  considerable  loss. 

487.  After  his  unsuccessful  siege  of  Fort  Meigs,  Proctor 
had  returned  to  Maiden,  where  he  remained  several  months 
inactive.  ^  In  the  latter  part  of  July,  he  again  approached 
Fort  Meigs. v  Sending  Tecumseh  with  his  Indians  into  the 
neighboring  woodsTlo  make  a  noise  as  if  a  battle  were  raging 
there,  he  tried  to  draw  the  garrison  out  from  their  defences*- 
But  Gen.  Clay,  who  was  hi  command,  was  not  to  be  thus 
deceived ;  and  Proctor  proceeded  to  attack  Fort  Stephenson 
at  Lower  Sandusky  [see  Map,  p.  345],  commanded  by  Major 
Croghan  \crog'-aii\,  a  youth  of  twenty-one.  Gen.  Harrison, 
on  hearing  of  the  threatened  attack,  sent  word  to  Croghan 
to  retire  with  his  garrison  if  artillery  was  brought  against 
the  fort,  unless  such  a  force  of  Indians  should  be  collected  as 
would  render  retreat  dangerous.  Before  the  order  arrived, 
the  woods  around  the  fort  were  already  filled.  The  young 
commander  had  no  alternative  but  to  hold  out  to  the  last 
extremity,  and  he  sent  one  of  his  runners  to  inform  Harrison 
of  the  fact.  Supposing  that  his  messenger  might  fall  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  wishing  to  mislead  them,  he 
closed  his  dispatch  with  these  words,  "  We  have  determined 
to  hold  this  place,  and  by  heavens  we  can !"  Contrary  to 
his  expectation,  the  runner  reached  Gen.  Harrison.  The 
dispatch  was  not  explained ;  and  Harrison,  thinking  that 
Croghan  was  wilfully  disobeying  orders,  suspended  him  from 

What  happened  to  the  British  general?  Give  an  account  of  the  enemy's  descent  on 
Sacketfs  Harbor.  4ST.  Where  did  Proctor  go  after  his  unsuccessful  siege  of  Fort  Meigs  ? 
Towards  the  close  of  July,  what  did  he  do?  What  stratagem  did  he  employ  to  draw 
the  Americans  out?  Failing  in  this,  whither  did  he  proceed?  [See  Map,  p.  345. — In 
whht  direction  was  Lower  Sandusky,  or  Fort  Stephenson,  from  Fort  Meigs?  On  what 
river?  Name  the  six  forts  in  Northwestern  Ohio.]  By  whom  was  Fort  Stephenson 
defended  ?  What  order  did  Croghan  receive  from  Gen.  Harrison  ?  What  was  the  stato 
of  things  by  the  time  he  received  it  ?  Eeconnt  the  circumstances  that  led  Harrison  to 

16 


362  MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 

command.  But  the  siege  had  already  commenced ;  no  one 
could  reach  the  fort,  and  Croghan  remained  happily  ignorant 
of  his  general's  displeasure. 

Five  hundred  British  regulars  and  eight  hundred  Indians 
appeared  beTore  the  "fort  on  the  1st  of  August.  Proctor 
called  on  the  garrison  to  surrender,  as  the  only  means  of  es 
caping  massacre  when  the  fort  should  be  taken.  The  heroic 
Croghan  answered,  that,  when  the  fort  was  taken,  a  massacre 
w^ould  do  no  harm,  for  none  of  its  defenders  would  be  left 
alive.  A  brisk  cannonade  was  at  once  commenced  by  Proc 
tor.  Croghan  had  nothing  with  which  to  reply  except  one 
six-pounder ;  but,  by  firing  it  from  different  points,  he  tried 
to  make  the  enemy  believe  that  he  was  well  provided  with 
artillery.  At  length  he  judged  from  appearances  that  the 
besiegers  would  concentrate  their  forces  on  the  northwest 
angle  of  the  fort ;  and  here,  having  loaded  his  piece  heavily 
with  slugs  and  grape-shot,  he  placed  it  in  an  embrasure  care 
fully  concealed  from  the  enemy. 

As  he  supposed,  the  British  soon  prepared  to  storm  the 
fort,  and  a  column  of  350  men  approached  the  northwest 
angle,  where  the  broken  appeafraii^  n?  the  wall  invited  at 
tack.  "Come  on,"  cried  Cc  ^:ng  into  the 
ditch,  "give  the  Yankees  no  quarter!"  In  a  few  seconds 
the  ditch  was  filled  with  men,  eager  to  scale  the  wall  now 
but  thirty  feet  distant.  At  this  critical  moment,  a  sheet  of 
flame  burst  from  the  masked  cannon.  Fearful  was  its  exe 
cution.  The  ditch  was  filled  with  dead  and  dying.  A  gall 
ing  fire  of  musketry  from  the  walls  completed  the  discom 
fiture  of  the  enemy.  A  retreat  was  ordered,  and  before 
dawn  the  following  day  the  whole  army  had  disappeared. 
Their  loss  was  estimated  at  150,  while  the  Americans  had 
but  one  killed  and  seven  wounded.  The  conduct  of  Croghan 
was  readily  explained  to  Harrison's  satisfaction,  and  loudly 
applauded  by  his  admiring  countrjnwea. 

BUbpend  Croghan  from  command.  What  prevented  anyone  from  superseding  him? 
On  what  day  was  the  fort  invested  ?  By  how  many  of  the  enemy?  How  did  Croghan 
answer  Proctor's  summons  to  surrender?  How  did  he  reply  to  the  enemy's  cannonade? 
What  conclusion  did  Croghan  soon  come  to?  How  did  he  prepare  to  meet  their  as 
sault  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  attack  and  repulse.  What  completed  the  discomfiture 


1813]  COMMODORE    PERRY    ON    LAKE    ERIE.  363 

488.  Commodore  Chauncey's  victorious  pennon  now  float 
ed  over  the  broad  waters  of  Ontario,  but  the  enemy  were 
still  masters  of  Lake  Erie ;  to  Oliver  H.  Perry  (a  native  oi 
Rhode  Island,  then  in  his  28th  year)  was  assigned  the  diffi 
cult  task  of  wresting  it  from  them.     The  U.  S.  had  no  effi 
cient  naval  force  on  the  lake;   and  Perry  was  obliged  to 
build  his  own  brigs  from  the  trees  that  fringed  its  shores. 
Working  with  unremitting  diligence,  he  soon  had  nine  ves 
sels,  carrying  in  all  54  guns,  ready  for  action.     With  this 
little  fleet,  early  in  August,  he  stood  boldly  out  into  the  lake ; 
and  the  British  slowly  retired  before  him.     Their  force,  con 
sisting  of  six  vessels,  mounting  63  guns,  was  commanded  by 
Commodore  Barclay,  a  veteran  who  had  fought  with  Nelson 
at  the  Nile  and  Traf-al-gar',  and  had  already  lost  an  arm  in 
the  service  of  his  country.     Perry  had  never  seen  a  naval 
battle. 

After  proceeding  to  Sandusky  Bay,  where  he  was  fur 
nished  with  men  by  Gen.  Harrison,  Commodore  Perry  made 
for  Maiden,  and  displayed  the  American  flag  before  the 
stronghold  of  the  enemy.  The  British  fleet  seemed  hi  no 
hurry  to  meet  him.  Ca  an  island  in  the  Detroit  River  sev 
eral  thousand  Indians1'  ^ad  assemoled,  to  witness  the  expected 
engagement.  Mortified  at  the  backwardness  of  his  allies, 
Tecumseh  rowed  over  to  Maiden  in  his  canoe  to  see  what 
was  the  matter.  "  You  told  us,"  said  he  to  Proctor,  "  that 
you  commanded  the  waters.  Why  do  you  not  go  out  to 
fight  the  Americans  ?  There  they  are,  daring  you  to  meet 
them."  Proctor  could  hardly  satisfy  the  impatient  chief  by 
telling  him  that  '  the  big  canoes  of  his  great  father,  King 
George,  were  not  quite  ready'. 

489.  On  the  10th  of  September,  Commodore  Barclay  bore 

of  the  enemy  ?  What  were  they  obliged  to  do  ?  What  was  the  loss  on  each  side  ? 
488.  On  what  waters  was  Commodore  Chauncey  victorious?  What  task  was  assigned 
to  Commodore  Perry?  Of  what  state  was  Perry  a  native?  How  old  was  he  at  this 
time  ?  Where  was  he  obliged  to  get  his  vessels  ?  Describe  the  fleet  which  he  soon  had 
equipped.  What  did  he  do  in  August  ?  What  was  the  naval  force  of  the  British  on  the 
lake?  By  whom  was  it  commanded?  How  was  Perry  furnished  with  the  requisite 
number  of  men  ?  For  what  place  did  he  then  make  ?  What  seemed  to  be  the  disposi 
tion  of  the  British  fleet?  Who  had  assembled  to  witness  the  engagement?  What 
pessed  between  Tecumseh  and  Prcctor  ?  489.  What  movement  was  mado  by  Commo- 


364 

down  towards  the  American  fleet  with  his  vessels  arrayed 
in  order  of  battle.  Perry  had  longed  for  that  hour.  His 
flag-ship,  the  Lawrence,  engaged  the  two  largest  vessels  of 
the  enemy  and  promptly  returned  their  fire  for  more  than 
two  hours,  till  every  man  on  board  was  killed  or  wounded 
except  eight,  who  could  manage  but  one  gun  and  fired  it  the 
last  time  only  with  the  aid  of  Perry  himself.  Finding  he 
could  do  nothing  more  in  the  Lawrence,  the  American  com 
mander  leaped  in  a  boat  and  transferred  to  the  Niagara  his 
flag,  which  bore  the  immortal  words  of  the  dying  Lawrence, 
Dortt  give  up  the  ship!  In  performing  this  manoeuvre,  he 
had  to  pass  within  pistol-shot  of  the  British  line ;  and,  though 
he  stood  proudly  erect  in  his  boat,  a  conspicuous  mark  for 
the  sharp-shooters  of  the  enemy,  he  escaped  uninjured.  The 
few  survivors  on  the  Lawrence  gave  three  cheers  as  they  saw 
him  mount  the  deck  of  the  Niagara,  and  the  battle  was  re 
newed  more  fiercely  than  ever. 

Taking  advantage  of  a  fresh  breeze,  Perry  now  plunged 
through  the  enemy's  line,  giving  a  raking  fire  right  and  left, 
a  masterly  manoeuvre  which  turned  the  fortunes  of  the  day. 
The  smaller  vessels  came  up  and  seconded  the  movement. 
Numerous  acts  of  heroism  were  performed,  which  will  be 
long  remembered  by  a  grateful  nation.  From  one  of  the 
vessels  the  last  remaining  sponge  of  the  longest  cannon  fell 
over  into  the  lake.  A  gunner,  seeing  that  without  it  the 
best  piece  on  board  would  become  useless,  coolly  plunged 
into  the  waves,  recovered  the  important  sponge,  was  drawn 
up  by  his  comrades,  and  was  soon  loading  and  firing  as 
calmly  as  if  nothing  had  happened.  A  seaman  on  board  of 
the  Lawrence  was  struck  by  a  cannon-ball  hi  the  shoulder, 
but  refused  to  be  carried  below,  and  with  his  remaining 
hand  rendered  all  the  assistance  in  his  power. 

dore  Barclay  on  the  10th  of  September  ?  [See  Map,  p.  345.— Where  did  the  fleets  meet? 
A  few  miles  from  what  islands?]  Describe  the  engagement  of  Perry's  Lawrence  with 
the  two  largest  vessels  of  the  enemy.  After  two  hours'  hard  fighting,  what  did  Perry 
find  it  necessary  to  do?  In  performing  this  manoeuvre,  where  did  he  have  to  pass? 
After  reaching  the  Niagara,  what  masterly  movement  did  Perry  execute?  How  was 
this  manreuvre  seconded?  What  heroic  act  was  performed  by  an  American  gunner? 
What  is  said  of  a  brave  seaman  011  the  Lawrence  ?  How  long  after  Perry  reached  tho 


PERRY'S  GLORIOUS  VICTORY.  365 

Within  fifteen  minutes  after  Perry  reached  the  Niagara, 
the  issue  of  the  battle  was  decided.  Commodore  Barclay, 
wounded  and  fainting  from  loss  of  blood,  felt  that  there  was 
no  alternative  but  surrender.  His  colors  were  hauled  down ; 
and  600  men,  more  than  the  whole  number  of  surviving 
Americans,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victors.  They  were 
treated  with  a  kindness  which  was  in  marked  contrast  with 
the  barbarity  of  Proctor.  Barclay  always  characterized  his 
conqueror  as  "  a  gallant  and  generous  enemy,"  and  declared 
that  his  conduct  to  his  prisoners  was  alone  sufficient  to  im 
mortalize  him.  About  four  hours  after  the  action  com 
menced,  Perry  sent  the  following  expressive  dispatch  to 
Gen.  Harrison: — "We  have  met  the  enemy  and  they  are 
ours — two  ships,  two  brigs,  one  schooner,  and  a  sloop." 

When  the  Americans  took  possession  of  Barclay's  flag- 
vessel,  they  found  three  Indians  skulking  in  the  cabin.  Be 
fore  the  engagement  commenced,  these  sharp-shooters,  who 
were  eager  to  distinguish  themselves  in  naval  conflict,  had 
been  placed  in  the  round-tops,  to  pick  off  the  American  offi 
cers  with  their  rifles.  Before  they  had  a  chance  to  display 
their  skill,  however,  the  cannon-balls  came  whistling  through 
the  rigging  too  close  to  be  pleasant,  and  the  heroes  of  the 
round-top  made  the  best  of  their  way  to  the  deck.  As  the 
vessels  closed,  the  deck  became  still  more  uncomfortable; 
and,  leaving  the  American  officers  to  take  care  of  themselves, 
they  got  as  far  below  as  they  could,  and  there  remained  till 
the  vessel  was  taken.  A  pet  bear,  more  courageous  than 
the  savages,  was  found  enjoying  itself  on  deck,  lapping  up 
the  blood  of  the  fallen. 

490.  Gen.  Harrison  immediately  followed  up  Perry's  glo 
rious  victory  with  an  invasion  of  Canada.  He  landed  near 
Maiden,  and  started  in  pursuit  of  Proctor  and  Tecumseh, 
who  had  dismantled  the  fort  and  were  in  full  retreat.  On 
the  28th  of  September,  the  American  army  reached  Sand- 

Niagara  was  the  issue  of  the  battle  decided  ?  What  was  Commodore  Barclay  obliged  to 
do?  How  many  British  prisoners  were  taken?  How  were  they  treated?  What  was 
Barclay's  testimony  on  this  point  ?  Eepeat  Perry's  dispatch  to  Gen.  Harrison.  Relate 
the  story  about  three  Indians  on  Barclay's  flag-vessel.  What  was  found  on  deck? 
490.  How  did  G?n.  Harrison  follow  up  Perry's  victory?  Where  did  he  land?  Whnt 


366 


MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 


[1813 


wich,  and  a  detachment  was  sent  over  to  take  possession  of 
Detroit.  On  the  5th  of  October,  the  British  were  overtaken 
on  the  bank  of  the  Thames.  Proctor  had  chosen  a  favorable 
position  on  a  narrow  strip  of  land  between  the  river  and  an 
extensive  swamp,  which  was  held  by  a  strong  body  of  In 
dians  under  Tecumseh.  The  Shawnee  king  shrank  not  from 
the  encounter,  though  he  felt  a  presentiment  that  it  would  be 
his  last.  "  My  body,"  said  he,  "  will  remain  on  the  field  of 
battle";  and  with  the  words  he  handed  his  sword  to  one  of 
his  followers,  bidding  him  give  it  to  the  son  of  Tecumseh, 
when  he  should  become  a  great  warrior. 

491.  Hardly  had 
Gen.  Harrison  viewed 
the  field  when  his  ex 
perienced  eye  discov 
ered  that  Proctor,  in 
order  to  extend  his 
line  to  the  river,  had 
so  weakened  it  that  it 
could  be  readily  bro 
ken,  and  he  ordered 
Col.  Richard  M.  John 
son,  with  his  Kentucky 
horsemen,  to  charge 
the  enemy  in  front. 
This  was  done  in  the 
most  spirited  manner.  Johnson's  troop  broke  the  line  with 
irresistible  force,  and  forming  on  the  rear  of  the  enemy  pre 
pared  to  pour  in  a  deadly  fire  from  their  rifles.  The  British 
at  once  surrendered,  Gen.  Proctor  escaping  only  by  the 
swiftness  of  his  horse.  Col.  Johnson  now  led  his  men,  sup 
ported  by  a  Kentucky  regiment,  to  the  swamp,  where  Tc 
had  been  done  by  Tecumseh  and  Proctor?  On  reaching  Sandwich,  what  did  Harri- 
Bon  do?  When  were  the  British  overtaken?  Where?  Describe  Proctor's  position. 
What  presentiment  had  Tecumseh?  491.  What  did  Gen.  Harrison  soon  discover? 
What  order  did  he  issue  ?  Describe  Johnson's  charge,  and  the  result  What  became 
of  Proctor?  Against  whom  did  Johnson  then  lead  his  Kentuckians?  [See  Map.— On 
which  side  of  the  British  did  the  Indians  lie  ?  What  governor  took  part  in  this 
battle?  What  village  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  Thames?]  Give  an  account  of  John- 


1813J  BATTLE    OF  THE   THAMES.  367 

cumseh  and  the  warriors  he  had  so  often  led  to  victory 
silently  awaited  their  appearance.  Suddenly  the  fearless 
Shawnee  sprang  to  his  feet  and  sounded  the  shrill  war- 
whoop.  A  hundred  rifles  were  aimed  at  the  undaunted 
Kentuckians  as  they  rode  swiftly  down,  and  many  a  saddle 
was  emptied.  Col.  Johnson,  ever  foremost  in  danger,  was 
wounded  and  borne  from  the  field  by  his  milk-white  charger, 
which  was  itself  bleeding  profusely.  "  Leave  me,"  gasped 
the  fainting  hero  to  the  comrades  who  supported  him; 
"don't  return  till  you  bring  me  tidings  of  victory." 

Just  at  the  critical  moment  when  the  Kentuckians  reached 
their  foes  and  the  battle  raged  most  fiercely,  a  bullet,  said 
to  have  been  fired  by  Col.  Johnson  himself,  struck  Tecum- 
seh  in  the  breast.  He  shouted  his  last  word  of  command, 
stepped  forward,  and  then  calmly  sunk  at  the  foot  of  an 
oak  and  expired.  A  sudden  terror  seized  the  Red  Men. 
The  voice  of  their  beloved  leader  was  silent.  The  Great 
Spirit  was  angry.  Ferocity  gave  way  to  despair,  and  the 
defeated  warriors  were  soon  flying  through  the  wilderness. 
With  the  fall  of  Tecumseh  terminated  the  battle  of  the 
Thames.  Michigan  was  recovered ;  Upper  Canada  was 
conquered ;  the  honor  of  American  arms  was  vindicated. 
General  Harrison,  after  descending  the  lakes,  proceeded  to 
Washington,  his  countrymen  vying  with  each  other  in  doing 
him  honor. 

pM32.  Tecumseh  was  the  most  formidable  of  all  the  Indian 
warriors  that  ever  fought  against  the  United  States.  He 
was  nearly  six  feet  high  ;  his  frame  was  muscular,  and  capa 
ble  of  great  endurance.  A  high  forehead,  piercing  eyes,  and 
gravity  of  expression,  gave  an  air  of  command  to  his  whole 
person.  Strict  morality  and  adherence  to  truth  from  his 
earliest  years,  added  to  talents  of  a  high  order  and  eloquence 
rarely  equalled,  made  him  not  only  a  ruling  spirit  among  the 
tribes  of  the  wilderness,  but  also  an  object  of  respect  to  the 
nation  whom  he  opposed  with  undying  hatred. 

son's  charge  upon  the  Indians.  What  fcefell  the  gallant  Johnson  ?  Give  an  accour.t  of 
the  fall  of  Tecumseh.  What  effect  had  this  event  on  the  Red  Men  ?  What  was  the 
consequence  of  the  battle  of  the  Thames?  Where  did  Gen.  Harrison  proceed ?  492. 


368 


MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 


[1813 


493.  The  efforts  made  in  1811  by  Tecumseh  to  enlist  the 
Creeks  in  a  war  with  the  United  States,  resulted,  in  the  sum 
mer  of  1813,  in  the  formation  of  a  hostile  league  among  the 
tribes  of  the  region  now  known  as  Georgia,  Alabama,  Mis 
sissippi,  and  Florida.  Such  signs  of  hostility  were  shown 
that  the  people  in  southwestern  Alabama  flocked  for  safety 
to  the  military  posts  scattered  through  the  country.  In 
Fort  Minims,  which  was  defended  by  a  body  of  volunteers, 
several  hundred  had  taken  refuge.  While  the  gates  were 
standing  open  at  noonday,  700  Creeks,  under  Wetherford, 
stealthily  approached,  and  before  the  garrison  were  aware 
of  their  presence  made  a  rush  for  the  fort.  An  entrance 
was  effected  ;  the  buildings  were  fired ;  and  between  three 
and  four  hundred  men,  women,  and  children  were  massacred. 

The  governors  of  Georgia, 
Tennessee,  and  Mississippi 
Territory,  immediately  took 
measures  for  an  effective  in 
vasion  of  the  Creek  country 
with  7,000  men.  This  force 
was  to  advance  in  four  divi 
sions  from  different  points, 
and  meet  in  the  heart  of  the 
hostile  region.  The  Tennes- 
seans  were  first  in  the  field, 
and  their  command  was  in 
trusted  to  General  Andrew 
Jackson  (who  had  been  for 
some  years  a  resident  of 
Nashville,  and  had  served 
the  U.  S.  Senate  with 


in 

distinction),    already     well 

known    tO    the    Indians     as  SKAT  OF  THE  CREEK  WAR. 


Describe  Tecumseh's  person  and  character.  493.  In  what  did  Tecumseh's  efforts  among 
the  Creeks  result?  Where,  in  particular,  were  signs  of  hostility  exhibited?  What  is 
suid  of  Fort  Mimms?  [See  Map,  p.  868.— Where  is  Fort  Minims?]  Give  an  account 
of  the  surprise  of  this  fort.  How  many  were  massacred  ?  What  measures  were  imme 
diately  taken?  How  many  divisions  were  to  advance  into  the  Creek  country?  Who 
were  the  first  in  the  field?  To  whom  was  their  command  given?  What  did  the  lu- 


1813]  EXPEDITION   AGAINST   THE   CREEKS.  369 

"  the  Sharp  Knife".  Jackson  was  soon  on  the  march.  Tal- 
lus-hat'-chee  was  the  first  village  attacked.  The  Red  Men 
resisted,  till  nearly  their  whole  number  were  killed  orwound-s 
ed.  A  severe  struggle  soon  after  took  place  at  Tal-la-de'-ga, 
where  a  thousand  Creeks  were  besieging  some  friendly  In 
dians.  Forced  marches  brought  Jackson,  with  1200  men, 
within  80  yards  of  their  camp.  The  Creeks,  taken  at  disad 
vantage,  tried  to  fly,  but  found  themselves  nearly  surround 
ed.  Between  two  and  three  hundred  were  killed,  with  tri 
fling  loss  on  the  part  of  the  Americans ;  the  rest  made  good 
their  escape  to  the  mountains. 

The  invading  army  now  began  to  suffer  from  hunger. 
Supplies  failed  to  arrive,  and  no  food  could  be  procured  in 
the  wilderness.  A  famishing  soldier  approached  his  general, 
and  asked  for  something  to  eat.  "  I  will  divide  with  you," 
said  Jackson,  and  drew  from  his  pocket  a  handful  of  acorns. 
When  it  was  seen  that  their  officers  fared  no  better  than 
themselves,  the  troops  bore  their  hardships  with  all  possible 
patience.  But  at  last  extreme  suffering  led  them  to  open 
mutiny,  and  in  defiance  of  orders  they  prepared  to  march 
to  their  homes.  Then  was  exhibited  the  iron  will  of  Gen. 
Jackson.  He  took  post  on  horseback  before  the  rebellious 
army,  which  had  already  begun  to  move.  His  left  arm, 
shortly  before  shattered  by  a  ball,  was  still  disabled,  but  his 
right  grasped  a  musket,  which  he  rested  on  his  horse's  neck, 
declaring  that  he  would  shoot  down  the  first  who  advanced. 
The  brave  men,  who  had  not  feared  a  thousand  Creeks,  were 
awed  by  the  determined  front  of  their  intrepid  commander. 
No  one  offered  to  advance,  and  after  a  short  consultation 
they  agreed  to  postpone  their  departure. 

494.  About  the  middle  of  November  a  number  of  hostile 
towns  on  the  Tallapoosa  were  surprised.  Towards  the  end 


dians  call  Jackson  ?  What  was  the  first  village  attacked  ?  [See  Map.— Where  was  Ttl- 
lushatchee?  What  forts  were  in  its  vicinity  ?]  What  is  said  of  the  resistance  of  the 
Creeks?  Where  did  the  next  severe  struggle  take  place  ?  [Near  what  river  is  Talla- 
dega?  Describe  the  Coosa.  The  Tallapoosa.]  Relate  the  particulars  of  the  battle  of 
Talladega,  How  many  Indians  were  killed  ?  From  what  did  the  invading  army  now 
suffer  ?  What  passed  between  Jackson  and  a  hungry  soldier  ?  To  what  were  the  men 
at  last  led  by  their  sufferings?  Tell  how  Jackson  put  down  the  mutiny.  494  What 

lli* 


370 

of  the  month,  Gen.  Floyd,  advancing  from  the  east  with  his 
Georgia  division,  reached  that  part  of  the  enemy's  country 
^called  "the  Beloved  Ground".  Here  the  Indians  rallied, 
inspired  by  their  prophet  with  the  belief  that  on  "  the  Be 
loved  Ground"  no  foe  could  injure  them.  After  obstinately 
maintaining  the  conflict  for  three  hours,  they  gave  way, 
leaving  two  of  their  principal  chiefs  and  nearly  200  men 
upon  the  field. 

Jackson  was  for  a  time  prevented  from  active  operations 
by  the  return  of  most  of  his  companies,  who  claimed  that 
their  time  of  enlistment  had  expired ;  but  by  vigorous  efforts 
he  was  reinforced  in  time  to  recommence  the  campaign  with 
the  opening  of  spring  [1814].  A  thousand  warriors,  with 
their  women  and  children,  had  congregated  at  the  Horse 
shoe  Bend  of  the  Tallapoosa,  where  they  were  nearly  encir 
cled  by  the  river,  the  narrow  isthmus  in  front  being  defended 
by  a  breastwork  of  logs;  and  on  the  27th  of  March,  the 
American  army  appeared  before  their  encampment.  A  strong 
detachment  was  stationed  around  the  Bend  to  prevent  the 
escape  of  the  Indians,  while  a  heavy  cannonade  was  com 
menced  in  front.  The  order  to  storm  was  soon  given.  The 
log  defences  were  scattered,  and  the  encampment  became  a 
scene  of  terrible  carnage.  Hemmed  in  on  all  sides  and  dis 
daining  to  surrender,  the  doomed  Creeks  fought  with  the 
energy  of  despair.  Not  till  557  of  their  number,  including 
many  noted  chiefs,  and  Man-a-hoe',  their  great  prophet,  were 
stretched  in  death  upon  the  field,  did  the  battle  cease.  Be 
sides  a  few  friendly  Indians,  Jackson  lost  26  men  killed  and 
106  wounded.  This  decisive  victory  ended  the  Creek  War. 
The  power  of  the  Muscogees  was  broken.  A  peace  was  soon 
after  concluded  with  their  few  surviving  chiefs,  on  terms 
dictated  by  the  United  States. 

took  place  about  the  middle  of  November  ?  From  what  direction  was  Gen.  Floyd  ad 
vancing?  What  place  did  he  at  length  reach?  [See  Map. — Where  was  "the  Beloved 
Ground"?]  What  did  the  Indians  believe  respecting  this  spot?  Describe  the  battle 
that  took  place  there.  What  kept  Jackson  for  a  time  from  active  operations?  When 
was  he  reinforced?  What  battle  ended  the  Creek  War?  [See  Map,  p.  368.— In  what 
direction  was  the  Horse-shoe  Bend  from  "the  Beloved  Ground''^?]  How  many  Creeks 
were  congregated  there  ?  What  was  their  position  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battlo. 
How  many  Indians  perished  ?  What  was  Jackson's  loss?  What  was  the  consequence 


WILKINSON'S  INVASIONS  OB  CANADA.  371 

495.  The  reverses  already  experienced  did  not  deter  the 
Americans  from  again  attempting  the  invasion  of  Canada. 
In  the  fall  of  1813,  Gen.  Wilkinson,  who  had  succeeded  Dear 
born  in  the  chief  command,  undertook  an  expedition  against 
Montreal,  in  conjunction  with  Gen.  Hampton,  who  was  to 
advance  with  the  army  of  the  north  from  Plattsburg.  Hamp 
ton's  men  penetrated  into  the  enemy's  country ;  and  Wilkin 
son's  division  descended  the  St.  Lawrence  some  distance, 
under  cover  of  a  detachment  which  bravely  met  the  enemy 
at  Chrysler's  Field ;  but  mutual  jealousy,  difficulties  of  trans 
portation,  and  the  lateness  of  the  season,  finally  led  to  the 
abandonment  of  the  enterprise.  The  force  left  meanwhile 
on  the  Niagara  frontier  was  so  inadequate  to  its  defence  that 
it  was  deemed  prudent  to  evacuate  Fort  George  [Dec.  12]. 
Before  this  was  done,  the  town  of  Newark  was  reduced  to 
ashes ;  an  act  which  the  British  soon  after  retaliated  by 
burning  Youngstown,  Lewiston,  Black  Rock,  and  Buffalo. 
In  March,  181 4,  Wilkinson  attempted  a  second  invasion  with 
4,000  men ;  but  he  was  repulsed  at  the  first  point  which  he 
attacked,  and  obliged  hastily  to  retreat.  Though  acquitted 
by  a  court-martial,  he  was  shortly  afterwards  superseded  by 
Gen.  Iz'ard. 


CHAPTER    VII. 

MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION  (CONTINUED),  1814  TO  1817. 

496.  AT  the  commencement  of  the  year  1814,  the  Ameri 
can  government  was  informed  that  Great  Britain,  though  it 
declined  the  offer  of  Russian  mediation,  was  willing  to  enter 
on  direct  negotiations  for  peace  ;  the  president  accordingly 
appointed  commissioners  to  meet  the  representatives  of  Eng 
land.  Both  parties,  however,  prepared  none  the  less  vigor- 

of  this  victory  ?  495.  Who,  meanwhile,  had  succeeded  Dearborn  ?  What  attempt  wus 
made  by  Gen.  Wilkinson  in  the  fall  of  1813?  By  whom  was  he  to  be  aided?  What 
was  accomplished  ?  What  led  to  the  abandonment  of  the  enterprise  ?  Meanwhile,  what 
was  taking  place  on  the  Niagara  frontier?  How  did  the  British  retaliate?  What  was 
done  by  "Wilkinson  in  March,  1S14?  By  whom  was  he  at  length  superseded  ? 
496.  What  information  did  the  American  government  receive  early  in  1814?  What 


372 


MADISON'S    ADMINISTRATION. 


[1814 


ously  to  continue  the  war.  Congress  authorized  a  loan  of 
$25,000,000  ;  while  Britain,  on  the  abdication  of  Napoleon, 
sent  over  14,000  veterans,  to  aid  in  the  defence  of  Canada. 

497.  The  naval  operations  of  the  United  States  during 
1814  were  neither  so  extensive  nor  so  successful  as  in  the 
two  previous  years.  In  consequence  of  the  close  blockade 
of  the  coast  by  British  cruisers,  it  was  difficult  for  American 
vessels  to  leave  port  or  bring  in  their  prizes.  The  Essex,  in 
which,  during  the  summer  of  1813,  Commodore  Porter  ran 
the  triumphant  career  already  described,  was  attacked  [March 
28]  in  the  harbor  of  Valparaiso  \valiL-pa-f  i' -so\  by  the  Brit 
ish  brig  Phoebe  and  sloop-of-war  Cherub.  Against  such  odds 
even  Porter's  skill  and  bravery  were  unavailing  ;  and,  after 
a  gallant  iight  and  a  vain  attempt  to  run  his  vessel  ashore^ 
he  had  to  surrender.  "  We  have  been  unfortunate,  but  not 
disgraced,"  wrote  Porter  to  the  head  of  the  navy  depart 
ment.  The  American  vessels,  Frolic,  Rattlesnake,  and  Syren, 
were  also  taken 
by  the  enemy ; 
while,  on  the 
other  hand,  the 
British  brig  E- 
pervier  \a-pare- 
ve-d'~\  struck  her 
colors  to  the  Pea 
cock,  and  the 
Reindeer  was 
captured  by  the 
Wasp.  The  lar 
ger  American 
men-of-war  be 
ing  kept  in  port 
by  the  blockade,  most  of  their  crews  were  sent  to  aid  Commo 
dore  Chauncey  on  Lake  Ontario. 

fiction  was  taken  by  the  president?  What  preparations  were  made  by  both  govern 
ments  ?  497.  What  is  said  of  the  naval  operations  of  the  United  States  in  1814?  "What 
was  the  effect  of  the  blockade  of  the  coast  by  the  British?  Give  an  account  of  tho 
capture  of  the  Essex.  What  did  Commodore  Porter  write  to  the  secretary  of  the  navy* 
What  other  American  vessels  were  taken  ?  What  British  vessels  were  captured  ?  Where 


ENGAGEMENT   OF  THE   WASP    AND    EEINDEKR. 


1814]  BATTLE    OF    LUNDY's    LANE.  373 

498.  On  the  3d  of  July,  1814,  Gen.  Brown,  who  had  march 
ed  from  Sackett's  Harbor,  crossed  the  Niagara  River  with 
3,500  men.  Fort  Erie  surrendered,  and  the  Americans  moved 
on  to  Chippewa  [see  Map,  p.  351].     Here  the  main  body  of 
the  enemy  was  posted,  and  a  general  action  commenced, 
Both  parties  displayed  great  gallantry;  but  the  unerring 
fire  of  Gen.  Scott's  and  Major  Jessup's  men  drove  the  vet 
erans  whom  Wellington  had  often  led  to  victory,  behind 
their  works,  and  the  whole  force  of  the  enemy  fell  back  on 
Fort  George,  abandoning  their  intermediate  posts.     General 
Brown,  after  pursuing  them  as  far  as  Queenstown  Heights, 
encamped  at  Chippewa.     The  American  loss  in  this  battle 
was  about  300 ;  that  of  the  British  was  nearly  twice  as  great. 

499.  On  the  25th  of  July,  Scott's  brigade  was  detailed  to 
watch  the  movements  of  a  division  of  the  enemy.     On  ap 
proaching  the  Falls  of  Niagara,  the  Americans  suddenly 
found  themselves  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  British  army, 
which  was  advantageously  posted  for  a  pitched  battle.    Has 
tily  sending  word  to  Gen.  Brown,  Scott  soon  had  his  artillery 
at  work,  and  maintained  his  ground  in  the  most  heroic  man 
ner.     He  was  ably  seconded  by  Jessup,  who,  by  a  masterly 
movement,  gained  the  British  rear,  and  made  prisoners  of 
Gen.  Riall  and  his  suite.     Soon  after  dark,  Ripley's  brigade 
arrived  on  the  field,  affording  timely  relief  to  Scott's  exhaust 
ed  troops.    A  tremendous  fire  was  still  kept  up  by  the  ene 
my  from  a  commanding  height  defended  by  a  battery.    Un 
less  this  height  was  carried,  Gen.  Ripley  could  see  no  chance 
of  victory.     The  effort  was  almost  hopeless,  but  he  resolved 
that  it  should  be  made.    Col.  Miller  was  selected  to  lead  the 
desperate  charge.     "  Can  you  take  that  battery  ?"  asked  the 
commander.     "  I  will  try,  sir,"  was  the  reply.     Steadily  up 

were  most  of  the  crews  of  the  larger  vessels  sent  ?  498.  What  movement  was  made  by 
Gen.  Brown,  July  3,  1814?  What  fort  did  he  take  ?  Whither  did  he  then  proceed? 
[See  Map,  p.  851.— How  is  Fort  Erie  situated  ?  How  is  Chippewa  sitnated  ?  What  isl 
and  in  the  Niagara  opposite  to  it  ?]  What  ensued?  Describe  the  battle  ofC'hippewe. 
To  what  post  did  the  enemy  fall  back  ?  How  far  did  Gen.  Brown  pursue  them  ?  Where 
did  he  encamp?  What  was  the  loss  on  each  side?  499.  What  occurred  July  25th? 
[See  Map,  p.  351.— Where  did  this  battle  take  place  ?  What  river  south  of  Lundy's  Lane? 
Wbat  island  a  little  above  it  in  the  Niagara  River  ?]  What  did  Gen.  Scott  do  ?  What 
achievement  was  performed  by  Major  Jessup?  Who  came  up  soon  after  dark  to  their 


374 


MADISON  S   ADMINISTRATION. 


[1814 


the  hill  toiled  the  fearless  leader  at  the  head  of  his  regiment. 
A  hot  fire  was  poured  upon  them;  but  they  closed  their 
ranks,  and  gallantly  moved  on.  In  a  few  moments  the  bat 
tery  was  in  their  hands,  and  the  retreating  enemy  were  fired 
upon  with  their  own  guns.  Three  times  the  British  rallied 
for  their  recapture,  and  three  times  were  they  ^epulsed.  At 
midnight  they  gave  up  their  efforts,  and  left  the  Americans 
in  possession  of  the  field.  This  battle  of  Lundy's  Lane,  or 
Bridgewater,  was  one  of  the  most  hotly  contested  actions 
ever  fought  in  the  new  world.  Three  thousand  Americans, 
and  4,500  British  took  part  in  it.  The  former  lost  743  in 
killed  and  wounded  ;  the  latter,  878. 

500.  After  gaining  this  victory,  the  Americans  retired  to 
Fort  Erie,  where  in  a  few  days  they  were  besieged  by  the 
British  army,  now  reinforced  to  4,000  men.     A  heavy  bom 
bardment  and  midnight  as 
sault,  in  which  the  enemy  lost 

nearly  a  thousand  men,  were 
successfully  resisted ;  and  fi 
nally  the  beleaguered  garri 
son,  making  a  bold  sortie,  de 
stroyed  the  hostile  batteries, 
and  drove  the  enemy  towards 
Chippewa.  Thus  successfully 
closing  a  campaign,  which, 
though  productive  of  no  per 
manent  advantages,  was  ev 
ery  way  glorious  to  America, 
Brown  destroyed  Fort  Erie, 
and  led  his  men  into  winter- 
quarters  at  Buffalo. 

501.  Gen.  Brown  was  not 
alone  in  his  success.  About  the 
1st  of  September,  Sir  George 


PLATT8BURQ   AND  THE  VICINITY. 


support?  Give  an  account  of  Col.  Miller's  brilliant  charge.  How  often  did  the  British 
attempt  to  recapture  this  battery  ?  Who  remained  masters  of  the  field?  What  is  s&id 
of  the  battle  of  Lundy's  Lane  ?  How  many  on  each  side  were  engaged  in  it  ?  What 
was  the  loss  ?  500.  Whither  did  the  Americans  retire  ?  ?W\at  befell  them  at  Fort  Erie  ? 
Give  an  account  of  the  sioge  and  its  termination.  Where  did  the  Americans  winter  ? 


1814:] 


PREVOST'S  INVASION  OF  NEW  YORK. 


375 


Prevost,  taking  advantage  of  the  absence  of  Gen.  Izard  and 
his  army,  who  had  moved  towards  Sackett's  Harbor,  crossed 
the  northern  boundary  of  the  state  of  New  York,  with  the 
view  of  penetrating  to  the  Hudson  by  way  of  Lake  Cham- 
plain.  Gen.  Macomb  \riia-koomf\  who  was  in  command  at 
Plattsburg,  hastily  collected  the  militia  of  the  vicinity,  en 
rolling  even  boys  who  were  large  enough  to  handle  a  musketl 
He  was  too  weak,  however,  to  prevent  the  advance  of  the 
enemy ;  and,  as  they  approached,  he  crossed  the  Sar'-a-nac, 
taking  up  the  planks  of  the  bridges  behind  him.  Prevost 
entered  Plattsburg  on  the  10th,  and  there  waited  to  be 
joined  by  a  naval  force  under  Commodore  Down'-ie,  consist 
ing  of  1 7  vessels  carrying  95  guns,  which  was  advancing  into 
the  lake  by  the  So-rel'  River. 

Commodore  Mc- 
Donough  \mac- 
don'-o\  a  native 
of  Delaware,  now 
about  30  years  of 
age,  commanded 
for  the  U.  S.  on 
Lake  Champlain. 
By  incredible  ex 
ertions  he  had  got 
together  14  vessels, 
mounting  86  guns; 
one  of  which,  a 
brig,  he  built  in 
twenty  days  from  timber  growing  on  the  bank  of  the  lake. 
On  the  llth  of  September,  Downie,  who  had  boasted  that 
with  his  flag-vessel  alone  he  could  destroy  the  whole  Ameri 
can  squadron,  was  seen  advancing  towards  Plattsburg.  The 
shore  of  the  lake  and  the  rooftops  of  the  town  were  crowded 

501.  "What  enterprise  was  undertaken  by  Prevost?  When?  What  was  his  design? 
[See  Map,  p.  374.— How  is  Plattsburg  situated?  What  river  near  it?  What  was  the 
direction  of  Pre vest's  route  ?]  Who  was  in  command  at  Plattsburg?  What  steps  did 
betake?  When  did  Prevost  enter  Plattsburg?  For  what  did  he  then  wait?  Who 
commanded  for  the  U.  8.  on  Lake  Champlain  ?  How  large  a  force  had  McDonough 
raised?  When  did  Downie  make  his  appearance?  What  boast  had  he  made?  How 


UK   MCDONOUGIl. 


376 

with  spectators,  who  awaited  with  palpitating  hearts  the 
issue  of  the  engagement.  McDonough,  who  had  drawn  up 
his  little  fleet  in  a  favorable  position  across  the  mouth  of  the 
harbor  and  had  publicly  asked  the  blessing  of  God  on  his 
efforts  in  defence  of  his  country,  opened  a  fire  as  the  enemy 
approached.  The  British  had  heavier  cannon  than  the 
Americans ;  but  their  gunners,  though  taken  in  part  from 
men-of-war  at  Quebec,  were  neither  as  quick  in  their  move 
ments  nor  as  accurate  in  their  aim  as  McDonough's.  The 
hottest  fire  was  maintained  between  the  vessels  which  bore 
the  two  commanders ;  and  the  American  flag-ship,  the  Sara 
toga,  was  at  length  completely  disabled  on  the  side  presented 
to  the  enemy.  McDonough  then  had  recourse  to  the  inge 
nious  expedient  of  wearing  his  vessel  round,  to  bring  the 
other  side  into  play.  The  enemy,  who  had  also  suffered  se 
verely,  attempted  the  same  movement,  but  without  success ; 
and  within  two  hours  and  a  half  after  the  action  commenced, 
the  whole  British  fleet  struck.  The  American  loss  was  158 
in  killed  and  wounded;  that  of  the  British,  about  200,  inclu 
ding  Downie  himself. 

During  the  battle  on  the  lake,  Prevost's  army  attempted 
to  cross  the  Saranac  at  several  different  points,  but  were  re 
pulsed  by  the  Americans.  On  the  surrender  of  the  fleet, 
they  gave  up  all  further  efforts.  Prevost  was  seized  with 
terror ;  and  that  same  night,  in  the  midst  of  a  heavy  rain, 
he  made  a  hasty  retreat,  leaving  his  sick  and  wounded  behind 
him,  together  with  large  quantities  of  military  stores.  Many 
of  his  troops  deserted.  One  company  of  400  men  marched 
to  the  American  camp,  preceded  by  a  band  of  music.  It  is 
computed  that  the  loss  of  the  enemy  in  this  expedition  was 
not  far  short  of  3,000  men. 

502.  The  British  did  not  confine  their  operations  to  the 
northern  frontier.  The  Atlantic  coast  had  been  blockaded 
throughout  the  year  by  a  strong  fleet  under  Lord  Cockburn, 

had  McDonough  posted  his  vessels  ?  How  did  the  two  fleets  compare  in  guns  and  men  ? 
Give  an  account  of  the  conflict  between  the  two  flag-vessels.  What  was  the  result  of 
the  action  ?  State  the  loss  on  each  side.  During  the  engagement,  what  attempts  were 
made  by  the  British  army  ?  With  what  success?  What  followed  ?  What  is  said  of  the 
desertions  from  Prevost's  army  ?  502.  What  was  the  state  of  affairs  on  the  Atlantic  coast 


1814] 


ARKIYAL    OF   GENERAL   ROSS. 


377 


from  which  parties  had  been  sent  to  various  points,  particu 
larly  on  the  Chesapeake,  to  plunder  and  devastate  the  coun 
try.  About  the  middle  of  August,  1814,  Admiral  Cochrane 
[cok'-ran]  arrived  off  the  coast  of  Virginia  with  21  vessels, 
conveying  Gen.  Ross 
and  four  thousand  vet 
erans  who  had  been 
trained  on  some  of  the 
most  noted  battle-fields 
of  Europe.  Before  this 
overwhelming  force,  the 
small  flotilla  with  which 
Com.  Barney  had  tried 
to  protect  the  coast  re 
treated  up  the  Pa-tux'- 
ent,  a  river  emptying 
into  Chesapeake  Bay 
just  north  of  the  Poto 
mac.  The  British  fleet 
divided,  part  ascending 
the  Potomac,  and  a  sec 
ond  division  moving  up 
the  Chesapeake  as  if  to 
attack  Baltimore,  while 
the  remainder  followed 
Barney  into  the  Patux- 


WA8UINGTON,  BALTIMORE,  AND  TIDE  VICINITY. 


ent,  and  anchored  on 
the  19th  of  August  at 
Benedict.  Here  Ross  and  his  army  disembarked.  On  the 
21st  they  set  out  on  the  river-road,  and  the  next  day  reached 
Upper  Marlborough  [marl'-bur-ro],  17  miles  from  Washing 
ton.  Near  this  point  Barney  had  moored  his  boats ;  blow 
ing  them  up  on  the  enemy's  approach,  he  hastened  with  his 

throughout  the  year  1814  ?  About  the  middle  of  August,  who  arrived  ?  Where  did 
Commodore  Barney  retire  ?  Describe  the  movements  of  the  British  fleet.  Where  did 
Ross  and  his  army  disembark?  [See  Map.— Describe  the  Patuxent  How  is  Benedict 
situated?  On  their  march  from  Benedict  to  Bladensburg,  what  places  did  the  British 
pass  through?]  What  was  done  by  Commodore  Barney?  What  did  the  enemy  find 
along  their  whole  route  ?  Where  did  they  first  encounter  resistance  ?  What  was  the 


378 

marines  to  join  Gen.  Win'-der,  who  was  organizing  a  force 
for  the  defence  of  the  capital. 

Consternation  seized  on  the  inhabitants ;  and  the  enemy, 
cautiously  advancing,  found  the  whole  line  of  their  route 
deserted.  The  first  resistance  they  encountered  was  [Au 
gust  24]  at  Bla'-dens-burg,  six  miles  northeast  of  Washing 
ton,  where  their  passage  was  disputed  by  an  American  army 
consisting  mostly  of  militia  hastily  collected.  The  British 
soldiers  were  almost  overcome  by  the  intense  heat;  they 
charged  with  vigor,  however,  and  at  the  first  onset  the 
American  militia  gave  way  in  disorder,  some  without  even 
discharging  their  muskets.  Commodore  Barney,  with  his 
eighteen-pounders,  and  Captain  Miller's  guns,  double-loaded 
with  canister,  checked  the  enemy  for  a  time ;  but  their  men, 
exposed  on  the  flank  by  the  flight  of  the  militia,  were  driven 
back,  and  both  of  these  brave  officers  fell  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy.  The  routed  army  carried  terror  with  it  to  the 
capital.  The  city  at  this  time  contained  10,000  inhabitants, 
most  of  whom,  including  the  president  and  his  cabinet,  has 
tily  retired. 

503.  On  the  evening  after  the  battle,  Gen.  Ross  entered 
Washington.     By  the  order  of  his  government,  he  set  fire 
to  the  capitol,  the  president's  house,  and  other  public  build 
ings.     Private  property  also  suffered  to  a  considerable  ex 
tent.     On  the  evening  of  the  25th  the  British  left  the  city, 
and  two  days  afterwards  they  reached  their  shipping  in 
safety.     Meanwhile  the  division  of  their  fleet  which  had  as 
cended  the  Potomac  passed  Fort  Washington,  which  was 
abandoned  by  its  garrison  and  blown  up,  and  appeared  be 
fore  Alexandria.     To  escape  bombardment,  the  people  of 
this  place  surrendered  to  the  enemy  21   merchant-vessels, 
16,000  barrels  of  flour,  1,000  hogsheads  of  tobacco,  and  other 
articles. 

504.  These  occurrences  violently  excited  the  whole  Amer- 

oondition  of  the  British  soldiers  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle  of  Bladensburg.  What 
was  the  population  of  Washington  ?  What  did  most  of  the  inhabitants  do  ?  503.  When 
did  Ross  enter  Washington  ?  What  barbarities  did  he  commit?  After  this,  what  did 
the  British  army  do?  What  was  done  by  that  part  of  the  fleet  which  ascended  the  Po- 
toinac?  [See  Map,  p.  377.— How  is  Fort  Washington  situated?  How,  Alexandria? 


181*]  FALL   OF   GENERAL   ROSS.  379 

lean  people,  and  brought  down  heavy  censure  on  the  admin 
istration.  Gen.  Armstrong,  the  secretary  of  war,  indignant 
at  the  charges  of  inefficiency  brought  against  him,  resigned  ; 
and  the  duties  of  his  office  were  assumed  by  Monroe,  the 
secretary  of  state.  Great  alarm  prevailed  in  the  seaboard 
cities.  The  militia  were  organized ;  and  defensive  works 
were  thrown  up,  on  which  citizens  of  all  ranks,  now  for  the 
first  time  laying  party-spirit  aside,  labored  with  their  own 
hands.  At  New  York,  $500,000  was  needed  to  put  the  city 
in  a  state  of  defence.  The  money  could  not  be  procured  on 
the  public  credit ;  and  Gov.  Tompkins  was  called  upon  by 
Senator  King  to  raise  it  on  his  personal  responsibility.  The 
governor  hesitated,  on  the  ground  that  it  might  ruin  him. 
"  Then,"  said  Mr.  King,  "  ruin  yourself,  if  it  becomes  neces 
sary,  to  save  the  country,  and  I  pledge  my  honor  that  I  will 
support  you  in  whatever  you  do."  Through  the  efforts  of 
these  two  patriotic  men,  the  necessary  sum  was  obtained, 
and  the  city  was  made  ready  to  receive  the  enemy. 

505.  Encouraged  by  his  success  at  Washington,  Ross  next 
proceeded  against  Baltimore,  where  a  body  of  10,000  militia 
men  had  assembled.  Gen.  Smith,  noted  for  his  brave  defence 
of  Fort  Mifflin  in  the  Revolution,  held  the  chief  command. 
On  the  12th  of  September  the  British  troops  landed  at 
North  Point,  14  miles  from  the  city,  while  part  of  the  fleet 
moved  up  the  bay,  to  attack  Fort  McHenry,  which  com 
manded  the  channel.  Soon  after  commencing  their  march 
towards  Baltimore,  they  encountered  some  American  sharp 
shooters,  and  Gen.  Ross  with  several  officers  rode  in  front  of 
his  line  to  reconnoitre.  Two  mechanics  of  the  city,  belong 
ing  to  one  of  the  militia  companies,  immediately  discharged 
their  muskets  at  the  party.  Ross  fell  mortally  wounded  into 
the  arms  of  an  aid-de-camp ;  and  his  horse,  galloping  wildly 
to  the  rear  with  his  empty  saddle  wet  with  blood,  told  the 

What  place  a  short  distance  below  Alexandria?]  504  What  feelings  did  these  events 
excite  ?  What  change  was  made  in  the  cabinet  ?  What  was  done  in  the  seaboard  cities? 
How  was  the  money  needed  for  the  fortification  of  New  York  raised  ?  505.  What  place 
did  Gen.  Ross  next  attack?  What  preparations  had  been  made?  Who  commanded 
the  Americans?  Where  did  the  British  land?  [See  Map,  p.  377.— Where  is  North 
Point?  In  what  direction  from  Baltimore?  On  what  river  is  Baltimore?  In  what 
direction  from  Washington?]  What  movement  was  made  by  part  of  the  fleet?  Give 


380 

melancholy  story  to  his  men.  The  two  brave  Americans  fell 
amid  a  shower  of  balls. 

Ross's  fall  did  not  put  a  stop  to  the  attack.  The  British 
continued  to  advance,  but,  on  coming  within  reach  of  the 
American  artillery,  were  met  with  a  destructive  fire.  After 
maintaining  their  advanced  position  for  more  than  an  hour, 
the  Americans  fell  back  to  high  grounds  in  their  rear,  and 
there  prepared  for  another  encounter.  The  next  day,  the 
British  again  approached :  but  the  resolute  front  of  the 
Americans,  added  to  the  intelligence  that  their  fleet  could 
make  no  impression  on  Fort  McHenry,  deterred  them  from 
further  attempts  on  the  city ;  and,  taking  advantage  of  the 
darkness  of  a  stormy  night,  they  retreated  to  their  l^pats. 
During  a  bombardment  of  twenty-five  hours,  1,500  shells  had 
exploded  around  the  fort,  but  only  four  of  its  defenders  were 
killed.  In  the  midst  of  the  fire,  the  national  song  entitled 
"The  Star-spangled  Banner"  was  composed  by  Francis  S.  Key, 
an  American  who  was  detained  on  board  of  one  of  the  British 
ships.  The  people  of  Baltimore  have  since  raised  a  marble 
monument  to  the  memory  of  those  who  fell  in  their  defence, 
which,  with  another  erected  in  honor  of  Washington,  has 
procured  for  that  place  the  name  of  "  the  Monumental  City". 

506.  The  people  of  New  England,  most  of  whom  had  op 
posed  the  war  in  consequence  of  its  injurious  effects  on  their 
commerce,  in  the  summer  of  1814  proposed  holding  a  con 
vention,  to  discuss  the  subject  and  agree  upon  such  a  course 
as  their  interests  required.  The  bombardment  of  Stoning- 
ton,  Connecticut,  by  a  British  fleet  [August,  1814],  and  the 
danger  of  other  places  on  the  coast,  gave  weight  to  the  sug 
gestion.  On  the  recommendation  of  the  legislature  of  Mas 
sachusetts,  delegates  from  all  the  Eastern  States  met  at  Hart 
ford  on  the  15th  of  December.  The  Hartford  Convention 
remained  hi  session  nearly  three  weeks  with  closed  doors ; 

an  account  of  Ross's  fall.  What  became  of  the  Americans  who  killed  him?  Give  an 
account  of  the  engagement  What  led  the  British  to  give  up  their  attempts?  What  is 
said  of  tho  attack  on  Fort  McHenry?  Under  what  circumstances  was  "The  Star- 
spangled  Banner''  composed?  Why  is  Baltimore  called  "the  Monumental  City"? 
506.  What  was  proposed  in  1S14  by  the  people  of  New  England?  What  gave  weight 
to  the  suggestion  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  Hartford  Convention.  How  were  those 


1814J  JACKSON   INVADES   FLORIDA.  381 

and,  though  its  members  seem  to  have  aimed  at  nothing 
more  than  to  hasten  the  termination  of  the  war,  yet  their 
proceedings  were  regarded  with  suspicion  and  by  some  vio 
lently  condemned  as  treasonable.  The  war  had  become 
more  popular  with  every  American  victory  and  every  new 
outrage  of  the  enemy. 

507.  An  invasion  of  the  Southwest  formed  a  prominent 
part  of  fhe  plan  which  the  British  had  marked  out  for  their 
campaign.  Jackson,  who  had  been  appointed  to  the  com 
mand  in  that  quarter  with  the  rank  of  major-general,  heard 
towards  the  close  of  the  summer  that  several  British  vessels 
had  arrived  at  Pensacola,  that  the  troops  they  conveyed  had 
been  allowed  to  land  there  by  the  Spanish  authorities,  and 
that  the  Creeks  had  been  invited  to  join  in  an  attack  on  the 
American  posts  in  the  vicinity.  Hastening  to  Mobile,  he 
found  these  statements  true.  On  the  15th  of  September,  an 
attack  was  made  by  a  party  of  British  and  Indians  from 
Pensacola  on  Fort  Bowyer  \bo'-yer\,  which  commanded  the 
approaches  to  Mobile.  With  the  loss  of  only  eight  men, 
Major  Lawrence  repulsed  the  enemy,  destroying  one  of  their 
ships  and  disabling  234  men.  Jackson  now  felt  justified  in 
assuming  the  offensive.  Reinforced  by  some  mounted  Ten- 
nesseeans,  he  marched  into  Florida  and  took  Pensacola,  the 
British  blowing  up  the  fort  which  they  had  occupied,  and 
retreating  to  their  vessels.  Having  thus  accomplished  the 
object  of  his  enterprise,  Jackson  forthwith  proceeded  to  New 
Orleans,  now  threatened  by  a  formidable  armament  of  the 
enemy. 

.  On  arriving  at  New  Orleans  [December  2nd],  Jackson 
found  the  people  in  great  alarm.  Some,  believing  it  impos 
sible  to  make  good  a  defence,  were  even  hi  favor  of  surren 
dering.  After  Jackson's  appearance,  however,  no  such  idea 
was  entertained.  He  assumed  the  entire  control  of  public 

who  took  part  in  it  regarded  ?  507.  What  formed  part  of  the  British  plan  for  the  cam 
paign  of  1814?  Who  commanded  the  Americans  in  the  South?  What  did  Jackson 
hear  towards  the  close  of  summer  ?  Whither  did  he  proceed  ?  What  was  done  by  the 
British  on  the  15th  of  September  ?  How  were  they  received  ?  [See  Map,  p.  368.— How 
la  Mobile  situated  ?]  How  did  Jackson  retaliate  ?  Whither  did  he  next  proceed  ?  What 
did  he  find  on  arriving  at  New  Orleans?  Give  an  account  of  his  measures.  How  is 


382 

affairs,  placed  the  city  under  martial  law,  erected  fortifica« 
tions,  and  organized  and  drilled  the  militia.  He  was  at  this 
time  47  years  of  age,  and  is  described  as  "  a  tall  gaunt  man, 
of  very  erect  carriage,  with  a  countenance  full  of  stern  de 
cision  and  fearless  energy,  but  furrowed  with  care  and  anxi 
ety.  His  complexion  was  sallow  and  unhealthy;  his  hair 
was  iron-gray,  and  his  body  thin  and  emaciated.  But  the 
fierce  glare  of  his  bright  hawk-like  gray  eye  betrayed  a  soul 
which  triumphed  over  the  infirmities  of  the  body."  He 
wore  a  short  blue  cloak,  high  dragoon  boots  "  long  ignorant 
of  blacking",  a  small  leather  cap,  and  threadbare  regimentals. 
508.  Information  respecting  the  designs  of  the  British,  had 
been  obtained,  among  other  sources,  from  Lafitte  \lah-fitf\ 
the  chief  of  several  hundred  adventurers,  charged  with  be 
ing  pirates  and  smugglers,  who  occupied  the  Bay  of  Bar-a- 
ta'-ri-a,  an  inlet  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  just  west  of  the 
Mississippi.  Plundering  Spanish  merchant-vessels,  through 
the  connivance  or  indiiference  of  the  authorities  of  New 
Orleans  they  sold  in  that  port  the  products  of  their  bucca 
neering  voyages.  Early  in  September,  the  British  com 
mander  at  Pensacola,  with  the  view  of  securing  the  aid  of 
this  company,  had  offered  to  receive  them  into  his  country's 
service,  and  unfolded  to  their  leader  the  details  of  the  in 
tended  attack.  The  latter  sumptuously  entertained  the  Brit 
ish  messenger  at  his  luxurious  home  on  one  of  the  islands  in 
the  bay,  but  declined  his  offers.  Though  an  adventurer, 
Lafitte  was  no  traitor.  He  had  lived  among  the  citizens  of 
New  Orleans ;  and  he  resolved  not  to  desert  them  in  the 
hour  of  need.  Laying  before  the  authorities  the  information 
he  had  received,  he  offered,  on  condition  of  pardon  for  past 
offences,  to  lead  his  men  to  the  defence  of  the  city.  After 
the  invasion  of  his  stronghold  and  the  seizure  of  papers 
which  confirmed  his  statements,  his  proposal  was  accepted, 
and  the  Baratarians  did  good  service  in  the  hard-fought  bat 
tles  that  followed. 

Jackson  described  at  this  time  ?  How  was  he  dressed  ?  608.  From  whom  bad  infor 
mation  respecting  the  designs  of  the  British  been  obtained  ?  Give  an  account  of  La- 
fltte  and  his  company.  What  proposition  was  made  to  them  ?  How  was  it  met  ?  On 


1814]  THE   BKITISH    KEACH    THE   MISSISSIPPI.  383 

509.  On  the  24th  of  November,  the  army  destined  for  the 
invasion  of  Louisiana  was  reviewed  at  Jamaica.     It  consist 
ed  of  the  force  that  had  been  serving  in  the  Chesapeake,  and 
strong  reinforcements  from  Europe,  making  in  all  50  vessels, 
carrying  1,000  guns,  and,  including  some  subsequent  addi 
tions,  12,000  troops,  the  flower  of  the  British  army.     The 
chief  command  wras  intrusted  to  Sir  Edward  Packenham,  a 
brother-in-law  of  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  and  next  to  him 
the  most  distinguished  of  English  military  leaders.     The  in 
vaders  had  no  doubt  of  their  success.     They  had  already 
organized  a  government  for  Louisiana,  and  carried  with  them 
a  printing-press  to  announce  the  proclamations  of  the  new 
authorities.     Boldly  entering  Lake  Borgne  [5om],  the  ene 
my,  on  the  14th  of  December,  captured  a  flotilla  of  gun 
boats,  which  had  been  stationed  there  for  thp  defence  of  the 
city.  •  An  unfrequented  bayou,  the  guards  of  which,  with  a 
single  exception,  were  captured,  brought  them,  to  within  a 
few  miles  of  the  Mississippi,  and  on  the  22nd,  their  advanced 
guard  reached  the  bank  of  that  river  nine  miles  from  New 
Orleans. 

510.  Within  a  few  hours  after  Jackson  received  this  in 
telligence,  he  had  2,000  men  in  motion.     Many  of  them 
were  from  Tennessee,  unerring  marksmen,  arrayed  in  home 
spun,  with  slouched  hats  of  wool  or  fur,  and  tomahawks  in 
their  deerskin  belts.     Shortly  after  dark  [December  23rd], 
the  Caroline,  a  schooner  of  14  guns,  dropped  down  the  river, 
and  opened  a  destructive  tire  on  the  British  camp.    Generals 
Jackson  and  Coffee  followed  up  the  attack  in  front.     The 
darkness  rendered  it  almost  impossible  to  distinguish  friend 
from  foe,  but  both  parties  fought  with  the  greatest  bravery. 
At  length,  Jackson,  finding  himself  unable  to  drive  the  en 
emy  from  their  position,  withdrew  his  men,  having  lost  213, 
to  over  300  killed  and  wounded  on  the  part  of  the  enemy. 

•which  side  did  Lafltte  engage?  509.  Where  did  the  invading  force  assemble  for  review? 
Of  what  did  it  consist?  By  whom  was  it  commanded  ?  What  were  th«  feelings  of  the 
British?  What  did  they  carry  with  them ?  What  lake  did  the  enemy  enter  ?  What 
did  they  do  on  the  14th  of  December?  How  did  they  reach  the  Mississippi?  What 
was  their  position  on  the  22nd  ?  510.  What  did  Jackson  do  on  receiving  this  intelli 
gence  ?  Describe  the  Tennesseeans.  flow  was  the  attack  opened  on  the  23rd  ?  Give 


384: 


MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 


[1814 


The  next  day,  he  fell  back  to  the  Rodriguez  \ro-dree' -gath~\ 
Canal,  where  he  determined  to  make  a  final  stand.  Extend 
ing  his  line  from  the  river  to  an  impassable  swamp  on  the 


BATTLE 

OF 

MEW  ORLEAN1S 


left,  he  threw  up  strong  intrenchments,  sent  for  the  rest  of 
his  men  from  New  Orleans,  and  ordered  a  detachment  across 
the  Mississippi,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  reaching  the  city 
in  that  direction. 

Packenham  having  joined  the  army,  and  his  preparations 
being  completed,  the  invaders,  on  the  28th  of  December, 
made  a  vigorous  attack  on  the  American  lines,  but  were  re 
pulsed  with  a  loss  of  nearly  200  men.  A  supply  of  heavy 
cannon  was  sent  for  from  the  fleet;  and  on  the  1st  of  Janu 
ary,  1815,  having  the  night  before  planted  batteries  within 
400  yards  of  the  American  works,  they  opened  a  tremen 
dous  cannonade.  A  thick  fog  concealed  their  movements, 
till  a  terrific  crash  of  balls  from  thirty  guns  of  heavy  calibre, 
together  with  hissing  shells  and  glaring  rockets,  announced 

an  account  of  Gen.  Jackson's  attack.  What  was  the  result?  What  position  did  Jack- 
fiou  take  the  next  day  ?  [See  Map. — What  was  on  Jackson's  left  ?  Who  commanded 
there  ?  What  was  on  Jackson's  right  ?]  How  did  he  strengthen  his  position  ?  What 
took  place  Dec.  2Sth  ?  What  did  the  British  then  send  for  ?  What  took  place  on  the 


1815J  BATTLE   OF   NEW    ORLEANS.  385 

that  a  severe  struggle  was  at  hand.  The  Americans  had 
only  ten  cannon ;  but  these  were  handled  with  such  spirit 
that  they  were  more  than  a  match  for  those  of  the  enemy. 
Both  parties  had  made  a  mistake  in  constructing  their  works. 
The  British  had  used  hogsheads  full  of  sugar,  supposing  that 
they  would  act  like  sand-bags ;  but  the  well-aimed  balls  of 
the  Americans  shattered  them  to  fragments,  and  spread  de 
struction  around  and  behind.  Jackson,  in  his  breastwork, 
had  used  cotton  bales,  which  seemed  to  answer  the  purpose, 
till  a  red-hot  shot  from  the  British  set  one  of  them  on  fire 
and  scattered  its  blazing  fragments  among  the  barrels  of  pow 
der  which  stood  ready  for  use.  The  flames  were  extin 
guished  without  accident ;  but  the  cotton  bales  were  taken 
out,  and  a  breastwork  of  earth  about  five  feet  high,  with 
trusty  rifles  behind  it,  was  the  only  defence  employed  in  the 
conflicts  that  followed.  The  British,  after  a  loss  of  70  men 
to  34  on  the  part  of  the  Americans,  drew  off  their  guns  and 
fell  back. 

511.  Preparations  were  now  made  on  both  sides  for  a  de 
cisive  battle.  Gen.  Lambert  brought  up  a  fresh  division  of 
British  troops,  which  increased  their  number  to  10,000 ; 
while  Jackson,  also  reinforced,  found  himself  in  command  of 
6,000  men,  3,200  of  whom  defended  the  breastwork.  Before 
daylight  on  the  8th  of  January,  a  detachment  was  sent 
against  the  Americans  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Mississippi, 
while  the  main  body,  led  by  Packenham  in  person,  advanced 
to  storm  Jackson's  position.  As  soon  as  they  came  within 
reach  of  the  American  cannon,  a  terrible  fire  thinned  their 
ranks,  but  still  they  moved  on  in  good  order.  "  Stand  to 
your  guns,"  shouted  Jackson,  as  they  approached ;  "  don't 
waste  your  ammunition,  see  that  every  shot  tells."  In  an 
other  moment,  the  order  to  fire  was  given.  Under  the 
murderous  discharge  that  followed,  the  advancing  column 
wavered.  A  fresh  regiment,  with  Packenham  at  its  head, 

1st  of  January,  1815?  How  many  cannon  had  the  Americans?  How  were  they  han 
dled?  What  mistake  was  made  by  the  British  in  constructing  their  works  ?  What, 
by  the  Americans?  What  was  the  result  of  the  cannonade?  511.  For  what  did  both 
parties  now  prepare  ?  What  was  the  force  of  eacli  ?  What  was  the  first  movement  of 
the  British  on  the  8th  of  January?  Who  led  the  main  body?  Give  an  account  of  tho 

17 


386 


MADISON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 


[1815 


hastened  to  their  support.  All  that  brave  men  and  expe 
rienced  leaders  could  do,  was  done ;  but  before  those  fatal 
rifles  no  foe  could  stand.  Packenham  had  his  right  arm 
shattered,  and  his  horse  killed  under  him ;  his  broken  ranks 
retired  in  confusion. 

The  sun  was  now  rising,  and  his  early  beams  fell  on  the 
gleaming  arms  of  a  fresh  division  of  British  advancing  to 
the  attack.  Again  a  cloud  of  smoke  curled  up  from  the 
breastwork,  and  again  fearful  havoc  was  made  in  the  ranks 


TUB  BATTLE  OF  NEW  ORLEANS. 


of  the  assailants.  Packenham,  struck  by  a  grape-shot,  fell 
back  into  the  arms  of  the  same  officer,  who,  under  similar 
circumstances,  received  the  body  of  Gen.  Ross  at  Baltimore. 

first  assault,    llow  did  it  result?    Give  an  account  of  the  second  assault.    What  did 


1815]  RETREAT    OF   THE    BRITISH.  387 

Though  nearly  every  officer  was  disabled,  the  troops  still 
pressed  on.  A  few  crossed  the  canal  and  ascended  the  par 
apet,  but  fell  before  its  vigilant  defenders,  most  of  them 
to  rise  no  more.  Gen.  Lambert,  who  succeeded  to  the 
command,  finding  his  army  hopelessly  defeated  with  the  loss 
of  more  than  2,000  men,  hastened  to  retreat.  He  recalled 
the  detachment  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Mississippi, 
which  had  driven  back  the  Americans,  and  gained  a  position 
that  would  have  been  of  great  service  in  dislodging  Jackson. 
The  whole  enterprise  was  abandoned,  and  the  invading  host 
returned  to  their  shipping  by  a  road  which  they  cut  along 
the  Bayou  to  Lake  Borgne.  On  both  sides  of  the  river,  the 
American  loss  was  but  27  in  killed  and  wounded.  On  the 
20th  of  January,  Jackson  returned  to  New  Orleans  in  tri 
umph,  where  he  was  received  with  every  possible  demon 
stration  of  joy  and  gratitude. 

512.  When  the  brave  deeds  performed  at  New  Orleans 
are  mentioned,  the  intrepid  conduct  of  a  young  British  bu 
gler  should  not  be  forgotten.     The  enemy's  left,  at  the  com 
mencement  of  the  engagement,  advanced  along  the  river, 
captured  a   redoubt,  and  moved  steadily  on   towards   the 
canal.     Their  bugler,  a  boy  of  only  fourteen  years,  preceding 
the  line  to  within  200  yards  of  the  breastwork,  climbed  a 
tree  and  sounded  "the  charge"  while  his  comrades  stormed 
the  intrenchments.     A  sheet  of  flame  drove  back  the  assail 
ants.     Men  were  mowed  down;    bullets   and  cannon-balls 
rained  around,  tearing  off  the  branches  of  the  very  tree  on 
which  the  young  musician  was  seated ;  yet,  paying  no  at 
tention  to  the  messengers  of  death,  he  continued  to  cheer  on 
his  countrymen  with  his  wild  music  as  calmly  as  if  he  were 
in  camp.    "After  they  had  retreated,  an  American  soldier 
came  forth  from  the  lines  and  captured  the  boy,  whose  in 
trepidity  had  attracted  general  attention.     Officers  and  men 
crowded  around  him  to  express  their  hearty  admiration. 

513.  The  battle  of  New  Orleans  closed  the  war.     Nego 
tiations  had  been  going  on  for  some  months  at  Ghent  in  Bel- 

Gon.  Lambert  now  find?  What  was  he  obliged  to  do?  What  was  the  loss  on  each 
side  ?  What  did  Jackson  do  on  the  20th  of  January  ?  512.  Tell  the  story  of  the  brave 


388 

gium,  between  John  Quincy  Adams  [son  of  John  Adams], 
Bayard,  Russell,  Clay,  and  Gallatin,  on  the  part  of  the  Uni 
ted  States,  and  commissioners  appointed  by  Great  Britain ; 
but  the  latter  were  so  extravagant  in  their  demands  that  for 
some  time  little  progress  was  made.  News  of  the  defeats  at 
Plattsburg  and  Baltimore  at  length  altered  their  tone ;  and 
on  the  24th  of  December  a  satisfactory  treaty  of  peace  was 
signed.  It  said  nothing  about  the  aggressions  on  American 
commerce  and  impressment  of  sailors  on  the  high  seas,  which 
had  caused  the  war ;  but  it  was  tacitly  understood  that  there 
would  be  no  further  difficulty  on  these  points.  The  news 
reached  America  on  the  llth  of  February,  1815 ;  had  it  come 
a  little  sooner,  it  would  have  saved  the  British  the  disastrous 
repulse  at  New  Orleans.  On  the  day  the  intelligence  ar 
rived  at  Washington,  Madison  and  his 'cabinet  had  separated 
in  great  despondency,  unable  to  devise  any  effective  meas 
ures  for  the  relief  of  their  country, — no  money  in  the  treas 
ury,  a  debt  of  $100,000,000,  commerce  destroyed,  all  kinds 
of  industry  depressed.  Late  at  night  a  horseman  was  heard 
galloping  through  the  streets  of  Washington,  and  the  joy 
ful  cry  of  "  Peace !  peace !"  resounded  on  all  sides.  The 
treaty  had  been  brought  by  a  British  vessel  to  New  York, 
and  the  joyful  news  was  soon  circulated  throughout  the 
country.  It  was  everywhere  hailed  with  delight.  Bells  were 
rung,  flags  were  hoisted,  schools  had  holiday,  and  towns 
were  illuminated.  On  the  18th  of  February,  the  treaty  was 
ratified  by  the  U.  S.  senate,  and  peace  was  proclaimed. 

514.  The  pecuniary  affairs  of  the  country  were  in  a  deplo 
rable  state.  The  banks  generally  had  stopped  payment. 
Specie  was  scarce,  and  there  was  no  currency  that  com 
manded  the  confidence  of  the  people.  For  the  convenience 
of  government,  Congress  passed  a  bill  incorporating  a  na- 


littlo  bugler.  513.  What  had  been  going  on  for  some  months  ?  Name  the  American 
commissioners.  What  tone  was  at  first  assumed  by  tiie  British  ?  What  altered  their 
views?  When  was  peace  concluded?  What  difficulties  had  caused  the  war?  How 
were  they  settled*  by  the  treaty  ?  When  did  the  news  of  peace  reach  America  ?  Under 
what  circumstances  had  the  cabinet  last  separated  ?  How  was  the  news  announced  iu 
Washington  ?  How  was  it  received  throughout  the  country  ?  When  was  the  treaty 
ratified?  514.  Describe  the  pecuniary  condition  of  the  United  States.  Give  an  account 


1815]         DECATUR    HUMBLES    THE    BARB  ART    STATES.  389 

tional  bank  with  $30,000,000  capital.  This  was  vetoed  by  the 
president ;  but  at  the  next  session  of  Congress  an  institution 
was  chartered  with  a  capital  of  $35,000,000.  It  commenced 
operations  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  4th  of  March,  1817,  and 
with  its  branches  in  other  cities  supplied  the  country  with  a 
uniform  currency,  redeemable  at  all  times  with  gold  and  silver. 

515.  In  May,  1815,  Decatur  was  sent  with  a  squadron  to 
punish  the  Algerines,  who  had  taken  advantage  of  the  war 
with  England  to  renew  their  depredations  on  American  com 
merce.     On  the  17th  of  June,  he  encountered,  in  the  Medi 
terranean,  the  largest  vessel  in  the  Algerine  navy,  and  cap 
tured  her  after  a  running  fight  of  25  minutes.     He  soon 
after  appeared  before  Algiers,  when  the  dey  at  once  agreed 
to  liberate  the  American  prisoners  in  his  hands,  to  make  full 
indemnification  for  the  losses  he  had  occasioned,  and  to  re 
linquish  all  claims  to  tribute  for  the  future.     Decatur  next 
proceeded  to  Tunis  and  Tripoli,  where  he  obtained  similar 
concessions  and  exacted  pay  for  American  vessels  which  the 
English  had  been  allowed  to  take  in  their  harbors.     Since 
pursuing  this  decided  course,  the  United  States  have  had  no 
difficulty  with  the  pirates  of  Barbary. 

516.  Nothing  remains  to  be  noticed  in  Madison's  eventful 
administration,  except  the  admission  of  Indiana  as  a  member 
of  the  confederacy  in  December,  1816,  and  the  formation  of 
the  Colonization  Society  about  the  same  time.     The  object 
of  this  association,   which   embraced  among   its   members 
many  distinguished  statesmen,  was  to  provide  a  happy  home 
for  free  persons  of  color,  where  they  could  enjoy  the  right 
of  self-government.     A  favorable  position  was  finally  select 
ed  on  the  coast  of  Africa.     The  name  of  Liberia  was  given 
to  the  colony,  and  its  capital  was  called  Monrovia,  after 
President  Monroe.   To  this  place  many  emigrants  have  from 
time  to  time  found  their  way,  and  a  flourishing  colony  has 
grown  up. 

of  the  two  attempts  to  establish  a  national  bank.  515.  What  expedition  was  sent  out 
in  May,  1815?  What  was  the  first  victory  gained  by  Decatur?  How  did  he  humble 
the  dey  of  Algiers  ?  Where  did  Decatur  next  proceed  ?  What  did  he  exact  from  the 
bashaws  ?  516.  When  was  Indiana  admitted  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  origin  and  ob 
jects  of  the  Colonization  Society.  What  has  it  effected  ? 


390 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

MONROE'S  ADMINISTRATION,  1817  TO  1825. 

517.  ON  the  4th  of  March,  1817,  James  Monroe  became 
president  of  the  United  States,  and  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  of 
New  York,  vice-president.     Born  in  Virginia  in  1759,  Mon 
roe  served  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  after  its  termina 
tion  was  successively  a  member  of  both  houses  of  Congress, 
governor  of  Virginia,  and  minister  to  France  and  England. 
The  new  president  followed  the  same  general  policy  as  his 
predecessor.     He  called  John  Quincy  Adams  from  the  Brit 
ish  court,  where  he  had  resided  as  minister  since  the  war,  to 
become  his  secretary  of  state,  and  Wm.  H.  Crawford,  of 
Georgia,  was  placed  at  the  head  of  the  treasury  department. 
In  December,  1817,  John  C.  Calhoun,  of  South  Carolina,  was 
appointed  secretary  of  war,  and  William  Wirt,  of  Maryland, 
attorney-general.     Early  in  his  term,  Monroe  made  a  tour 
through  New  England  and  the  northwest,  and  was  well  re 
ceived  by  the  people.     The  violence  of  party-spirit  had  now 
subsided,  and  the  federalists  no  longer  opposed  the  measures 
of  the  administration.     A  plan  was  devised  in  Congress  for 
paying  the  public  debt,  which  in  a  few  years  accomplished 
that  important  object.    Towards  the  close  of  1817,  the  atten 
tion  of  government  was  called  to  Amelia  Island,  on  the  Flor 
ida  coast,  a  rendezvous  for  buccaneers,  who,  pretending  to 
sail  under  the  flag  of  the  South  American  republics,  made 
free  with  whatever  they  found  on  the  ocean.     In  November, 
a  body  of  U.  S.  troops  took  possession  of  their  haunts ;  and 
soon  after  a  similar  establishment  on  Galveston  Island,  Texas, 
was  also  broken  up. 

518.  The  public  mind  began  about  this  time  to  realize  the 
necessity  of  internal  improvements.      It  was  obvious  that 

517.  Who  became  president  and  vice-president  on  the  4th  of  March,  1817?  What  is 
laid  of  Monroe's  previous  history  ?  Whom  did  he  make  secretary  of  state  ?  Whom, 
.secretary  of  the  treasury?  Who  were  admitted  to  his  cabinet  in  December,  1817? 
What  parts  of  the  country  did  Monroe  visit  ?  How  was  he  received  ?  What  is  said  of 
party  spirit,  ?  What  plan  was  devised  by  Congress  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  bucca- 


1817]  INTERNAL   IMPROVEMENTS.  391 

roads  and  canals,  connecting  distant  portions  of  the  Union, 
and  bringing  its  remoter  parts  within  reach  of  a  market, 
would  greatly  augment  the  wealth  and  strength  of  the  coun 
try.  To  the  importance  of  these  works  Monroe  was  fully 
alive ;  but,  like  Jefferson  and  Madison,  he  believed  that  the 
constitution  gave  the  general  government  no  authority  to 
eno-ao-e  in  them.  Congress  after  some  discussion  agreed 

&     O  O  " 

with  him,  but  made  appropriations  for  a  great  national  road 
across  the  Alleghanies,  from  Cumberland  to  Wheeling,  this 
having  been  promised  by  the  United  States  at  the  time  that 
Ohio  came  into  the  Union.  Several  military  roads  were  also 
opened. 

This  constitutional  difficulty,  however,  did  not  apply  to  the 
individual  states,  which  vigorously  undertook  the  work  of 
improvement.  Surveys  were  made,  roads  were  constructed 
in  all  directions,  and  facilities  for  travel  and  transportation 
were  increased.  In  carrying  on  these  enterprises,  New  York 
was  among  the  foremost.  Under  the  auspices  of  De  Witt 
Clinton  and  other  public-spirited  men,  a  bill  was  passed  by 
the  legislature  of  that  state  authorizing  the  construction  of  a 
canal,  363  miles  long,  to  connect  Lake  Erie,  at  Buffalo,  with 
the  Hudson,  at  Albany.  The  work  was  commenced  in  July, 
1817,  and  was  not  completed  till  the  summer  of  1825.  The 
Erie  Canal  was  40  feet  wide,  contained  83  locks  built  of  solid 
masonry,  to  raise  or  lower  the  boats  as  required  by  the  face 
of  the  country,  crossed  the  Genesee  once  and  the  Mohawk 
twice  by  means  of  aqueducts,  and  originally  cost  $7,602,000. 
About  the  same  time,  a  canal,  connecting  Lake  Champlain 
with  the  Hudson,  was  finished ;  and  in  November,  1825,  the 
completion  of  these  works  was  celebrated  by  the  firing  of 
cannon  and  public  rejoicings.  They  gave  an  impetus  to 
trade  which  was  felt  throughout  the  whole  northern  and 
western  country. 

neering  establishments  on  the  coast  What  became  of  them  ?  518.  To  what  was  pub 
lic  attention  now  forcibly  drawn  ?  What  were  Monroe's  views  on  the  subject  of  inter 
nal  improvements?  What  was  done  by  Congress?  How  was  it  with  the  individual 
States?  What  state  was  among  the  foremost  in  carrying  on  these  works?  What  Mil 
was  passed  by  the  N.  Y.  legislature?  Under  whose  auspices?  When  was  the  Erio 
Canal  commenced  ?  When  was  it  completed  ?  Describe  the  Erie  Canal.  What  other 
canal  was  hnished  about  the  sr.me  time?  How  was  their  completion  celebrated  ?  What 


392 

519.  In  the  summer  of  1817,  the  Seminoles,  a  powerful 
tribe  living  within  the  Spanish  territory  on  the  borders  of 
Georgia  and  Alabama,  joined  by  some  runaway  negroes  and 
refugee  Creeks,  commenced  a  series  of  depredations  on  the 
frontier  settlements.  Gen.  Gaines,  who  commanded  a  post 
on  the  Flint  River,  destroyed  several  of  their  villages ;  but 
he  encountered  so  fierce  a  resistance  that  Jackson  was  or 
dered  into  service,  with  volunteers  from  Tennessee,  who 
were  always  ready  to  follow  this  favorite  leader.  In  March, 
1818,  having  spent  several  months  in  organizing  his  forces 
and  securing  provisions,  Jackson  took  the  field  with  his 
brave  Tennesseeans,  some  friendly  Creeks,  and  the  regulars 
already  at  the  seat  of  war.  He  burned  a  number  of  Semi- 
nole  towns,  drove  the  enemy  before  him,  and  seized  on  their 
corn  and  cattle.  It  was  obvious  to  Jackson  that  the  Indians 
had  been  instigated  by  the  Spaniards  of  Florida,  and  two 
British  subjects  who  had  supplied  them  with  arms  and  am 
munition.  The  former  he  punished  by  seizing  their  forts  at 
St.  Marks  and  Pensacola,  and  sending  the  officers  in  com 
mand  to  Havana.  The  latter  were  tried  by  a  court-martial, 
found  guilty,  and  executed.  Two  refugee  Creek  chiefs  and 
a  pretended  prophet,  who  had  helped  to  stir  up  the  war, 
were  also  taken  and  hanged.  Though  the  American  army 
was  unable  to  penetrate  to  the  more  southerly  villages,  hos 
tilities  were  for  a  time  suppressed. 

The  course  of  Gen.  Jackson  in  invading  the  territory  of  a 
nation  with  which  the  United  States  was  at  peace,  was  con 
demned  by  some,  and  at  first  even  the  cabinet  were  disposed 
to  pronounce  it  arbitrary  and  unauthorized.  The  secretary 
of  state,  however,  convinced  them  that  Jackson  had  done 
no  more  than  was  necessary  to  carry  out  the  orders  of  gov 
ernment.  A  committee  of  Congress,  which  investigated  the 
transactions  in  question,  absolved  the  hero  of  New  Orleans 
from  all  blame.  The  British  government,  on  hearing  of  the 

was  their  effect  ?  519.  By  whom  was  the  southern  frontier  harassed  in  1817  ?  How  did 
Gen.  Gaines  punish  the  Indians?  Who  was  sent  to  his  assistance?  Give  an  account 
of  Jackson's  operations.  By  whom  did  it  appear  that  the  Seminoles  were  instigated? 
How  did  Jackson  punish  the  Spaniards?  How,  the  two  British  subjects?  Who  else 
were  hanged  ?  How  was  Jackson's  invasion  of  Florida  regarded  by  some  ?  By  whom 


1818]  CESSION    OF   FLORIDA   TO   THE    U.    STATES.  393 

summary  execution  of  two  of  their  subjects,  were  at  first 
loud  in  their  demands  for  satisfaction ;  but  Mr.  Adams'  argu 
ments  convinced  them  also  of  the  propriety  of  what  had 
been  done.  On  the  close  of  the  Congressional  investigation, 
Jackson  visited  the  principal  cities  of  the  Union,  and  was 
received  with  an  enthusiasm  which  showed  that  the  people 
heartily  approved  of  his  conduct.  ^ 

520.  Two  important  treaties  were  made  in  the  early  part 
of  Monroe's  administration  :  one  with  England  (Oct.  1818), 
which  settled  part  of  the  boundary  between  the  British  Pos 
sessions  and  the  U.  S.,  and  secured  to  the  citizens  of  the  latter 
the  privilege  of  taking  fish  on  the  coast  of  Newfoundland ; 
the  other  with  Spain  (February  22,  1819),  which  disposed 
of  still  more  important  questions.     Difficulties  had  been  an 
ticipated  in  this  quarter,  in  consequence  of  the  seizure  of  the 
posts  in  Florida ;  but,  through  the  skilful  management  of  the 
secretary  of  state,  not  only  was  good  feeling  restored,  but  the 
Spanish  government  was  induced  to  cede  East  and  West 
Florida  to  the  U.  S.,  the  latter,  on  its  part,  relinquishing  all 
claim  to  Texas  and  agreeing  to  meet  the  demands  of  Amer 
ican  citizens  on  Spain,  for  commercial  depredations,  to  the 
amount  of  $5,000,000.     This  treaty  was  considered  highly 
advantageous  and  unanimously  ratified  by  the  senate. 

521.  During  Monroe's  administration,  five  new  states  were 
admitted  into  the  Union :  Mississippi,  in  1817 ;  Illinois,  which 
since  the  war  had  become  rapidly  settled,  in  1818 ;  Alabama, 
originally  embraced  in  Mississippi  Territory,  in  1819;  Maine, 
before  included  in  the  commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  in 
1820;  and  Missouri,  part  of  the  territory  of  Louisiana  pur 
chased  from  Napoleon,  in  1821.     The  admission  of  Missouri 
was  preceded  by  violent  debates  in  Congress,  which  agitated 
the  whole  country.     Some  insisted  on  the  prohibition  of  sla- 

was  it  defended?  What  was  the  result  of  the  investigation  by  Congress?  Hew  was 
the  intelligence  received  by  the  British  government  ?  How  was  it  shown  that  the 
people  approved  of  Jackson's  course?  520.  What  important  treaties  were  made  in  tho 
early  part  of  Monroe's  administration  ?  What  had  been  apprehended  ?  Who  conducted 
the  negotiations  with  Spain  ?  What  did  Mr.  Adams  induce  the  Spanish  government  to 
do  ?  On  what  terms  was  Florida  obtained  ?  How  was  this  treaty  regarded  ?  521.  Name 
the  new  states  admitted  during  Monroe's  administration  and  the  dates.  By  what  was 
the  admission  of  Missouri  preceded  ?  What  different  views  were  taken  on  this  mbject? 

17* 


394 


very  within  its  limits  as  a  condition  of  entrance  into  the  con 
federacy  ;  while  others  maintained  that  it  was  the  right  of 
every  state  to  determine  for  itself,  on  coming  into  the  TJnion, 
whether  it  would  be  slave  or  free.  A  bill,  known  as  the  Mis- 
souri  Compromise,  was  at  length  introduced  by  Mr.  Clay,  to 
the  effect  that  slavery  should  be  allowed  in  Missouri,  and  all 
states  that  might  be  formed  south  of  latitude  36  degrees  30 
minutes,  which  parallel  forms  its  southern  boundary, — but 
should  be  forbidden  in  the  territory  north  of  this  line  and 
west  of  Missouri.  This  compromise  was  generally  acceptable ; 
it  was  passed  by  Congress,  and  remained  in  force  till  1856. 

522.  At  the  commencement  of  Monroe's  term,  the  country 
had  just  begun  to  rally  from  the  depression  occasioned  by 
the  war ;  and,  during  the  three  years  that  followed,  it  en 
joyed  uninterrupted  prosperity.     As  a  natural  consequence, 
the  president  stood  high  in  the  affections  of  the  people.    His 
popularity  was  increased  by  his  endeavors  to  harmonize  op 
posing  parties,  as  well  as  by  his  urgent  recommendation, 
promptly  acted  on  by  Congress,  that  provision  should  be 
made  for  the  surviving  patriots  who  had  served  in  the  Revo 
lutionary  War.     He  was  accordingly  reflected  almost  unan 
imously,  and  commenced   his  second  term  on  the  5th  of 
March,  1821.     The  seventeenth  Congress,  which  assembled 
in  the  following  December,  contained  several  new  members 
Avho  afterwards  became  distinguished;   among  these  were 
Martin  Van  Buren,  of  New  York,  and  Thomas  H.  Benton, 
of  Missouri.     Florida  was  organized  as  a  territory,  and  An 
drew  Jackson  was  appointed  its  first  governor. 

523.  The  South  American  provinces,  which  from  the  time 
of  Pizarro  had  remained  subject  to  the  Spanish  crown,  early 
in  the  present  century  followed  the  example  of  the  North 
American  colonies,  asserting  their  independence  and  finally 
establishing  it  by  force  of  arms.     While  the  struggle  was 

How  was  the  question  settled  ?  What  was  the  substance  of  the  Missouri  Compromise? 
How  long  did  it  remain  in  force  ?  522.  What  was  the  state  of  the  country  during  Mon 
roe's  administration ?  How  did  the  people  feel  towards  the  president?  What  increased 
his  popularity?  What  was  the  result  of  the  election  in  1820?  What  new  members 
appeared  in  the  seventeenth  Congress  ?  What  new  territory  was  organized  ?  Who  was 
(.he  first  governor  of  Florida?  523.  What  struggle  was  going  on  meanwhile  in  South 


THE    MONROE   DOCTRINE.  395 

pending,  Clay,  who  sympathized  deeply  with  the  oppressed 
provinces,  strove  with  his  transcendent  eloquence  to  induce 
Congress  to  recognize  their  independence.  His  efforts  at 
first  failed,  as  Congress  distrusted  their  success ;  but  his 
speeches  were  read  at  the  head  of  the  patriot  armies,  and 
encouraged  them  to  persevere  in  their  struggle  for  liberty. 
At  length,  in  March,  1822,  the  bill  was  passed  with  but  one 
dissenting  voice.  The  president  heartily  joined  in  the  rec 
ognition  of  their  independence,  and  the  following  year  went 
so  far  as  to  declare  in  his  message  that  '  the  American  con 
tinents  were  thenceforth  not  to  be  considered  as  subjects  for 
future  colonization  by  any  European  power'.  This  is  the 
famous  Monroe  doctrine,  which  has  since  been  advocated  by 
many  of  our  countrymen. 

524.  About  the  year  1820,  American  commerce  suffered 
much  from  pirates,  who  infested  the  southern  waters  and 
made  their  haunts  on  the  coast  of  Cuba.     As  the  Spanish 
authorities  made  no  effort  to  disperse  them,  the  U.  S.  gov 
ernment  took  the  matter  in  hand.    The  frigate  Congress  and 
eight  smaller  vessels  were  stationed  about  Florida,  and  in 
the  course  of  1822  about  20  piratical  vessels  were  captured 
and  destroyed.     The  Peacock  and  some  more  small  vessels 
were  dispatched  to  the  scene  of  action  in  December,  1822, 
the  whole  being  placed  under  the  command  of  Commodore 
Porter.     With  his  usual  energy,  Porter  scoured  the  infested 
waters,  till  he  assured  himself  that  not  a  single  piratical  craft 
was  left  afloat. 

525.  The  people  of  the  United  States  were  much  gratified 
in  the  summer  of  1824  by  the  arrival  of  La  Fayette,  on  a 
visit  to  the  land  for  whose  liberty  he  had  fought  and  bled. 
He  was  received  as  the  nation's  guest,  and  warmly  welcomed, 
not  only  by  the  honored  patriots  who  had  battled  by  his  side, 
but  also  by  a  later  generation  that  had  learned  from  their 
fathers  his  claims  to  their  gratitude  and  love.     Traversing 

America?  What  efforts  -were  made  by  Clay?  What  success  did  they  at  first  meet 
with?  When  was  the  bill  finally  piissed  ?  What  doctrine  was  put  forth  by  the  presi 
dent?  By  what  name  is  It  now  known?  524.  From  what  did  American  commerce 
suffer  in  1820?  What  measures  were  taken  against  the  pirates?  525.  Who  visited  the 
U.  S.  in  1824  ?  How  was  he  received  ?  What  were  objects  of  peculiar  interest  to  La 


396 


MONROE'S  ADMINISTRATION. 


[isa* 


the  Union,  he  beheld  with  indescribable  emotion  the  strength 
and  prosperity  of  a  country  which  he  had  left  struggling  for 
its  very  existence.  The  battle-fields  hallowed  by  patriot- 
blood  were  to  him  objects  of  peculiar  interest;  and  on  Bun 
ker  Hill,  just  fifty  years  after  the  conflict  that  made  it  memo 
rable,  he  laid  the  corner-stone  of  the  monument  which  still 
rears  its  head  to  mark  that  glorious  spot.  Everywhere  the 
illustrious  visitor  received  the  homage  of  a  grateful  nation. 
Congress  voted  him  $200,000  and  a  township  of  land  in 
Florida,  in  token  that  his  services  were  not  forgotten. 

After  spending  several  weeks  with  President  Adams,  La 
Fayette,  in  September,  1825,  bade  a  mournful  adieu  to  the 
nation,  and  set  sail  in  the  frigate  Brandywine,  which  had 
been  so  named  in  honor  of  his  first  battle  for  freedom  and 
was  now  placed  at  his  disposal  to  convey  him  to  France. 
Before  leaving,  he  paid  a  parting  visit  to  Mount  Vernon,  and 
the  grave  which  contained  all  that  remained  of  his  beloved 
friend.  Overcome  by  tender  recollections,  the  great  patriot 


LA    KAYETTE    AT   THE   GRAVE  OK   WASHINGTON. 


Fayette  ?  Of  what  did  he  lay  the  corner-stone  ?  How  did  Congress  show  its  gratitude 
to  La  Fayette  ?  With  whom  did  La  Fayette  spend  several  weeks  ?  When  did  he  leave  5 
How  was  he  conveyed  to  France?  Describe  his  visit  to  Mount  Vernon.  How  long  did 


1825]  CLOSE   OF    HIS   TERM.  397 

of  France  wept  long  over  the  dust  of  the  great  patriot  of 
America. — La  Fayettc  lived  till  1834,  prominent  in  the  po 
litical  history  of  his  country,  and  to  the  last  the  consistent 
friend  of  virtue  and  freedom. 

526.  The  close  of  Monroe's  second  term  found  the  country 
still  more  prosperous  than  its  commencement.  Military  and 
naval  defences  had  been  constructed ;  the  rights  and  charac 
ter  of  the  nation  had  been  sustained  abroad ;  the  dominion 
of  the  U.  S.  had  extended  on  the  south  and  west;  civilization 
had  spread  among  the  Indians,  and  $60,000,000  of  the  na 
tional  debt  had  been  paid.  It  now  became  necessary  to 
choose  a  successor  to  the  presidency.  Four  candidates  ap 
peared  in  the  field:  Gen.  Jackson,  of  Tenn.;  John  Quincy 
Adams,  of  Mass. ;  William  H.  Crawford,  of  Ga. ;  and  Henry 
Clay,  of  Kentucky.  The  first  received  99  electoral  votes; 
but,  this  not  being  a  majority,  the  choice  devolved  on  the 
house  of  representatives.  This  body  conferred  the  presi 
dency  on  Mr.  Adams,  who  was  inaugurated  March  4th,  1825. 
John  C.  Calhoun,  of  S.  C.,  had  been  chosen  vice-president  by 
the  electoral  college. 


CHAPTER   IX. 

JOHN  QUINCT  ADAMS'  ADMINISTRATION,  1825-9. 

527.  JOHN  QUINCY  ADAMS  was  bom  at  Braintree,  Mass., 
on  the  llth  of  July,  1767.  At  the  age  of  nine,  he  heard 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  read  from  the  state-house 
in  Boston.  Two  years  afterwards  he  started  for  the  old 
world  with  his  father,  John  Adams,  whose  patriotic  career 
we  have  already  traced.  Accompanying  his  father  to  France 
and  Holland,  thence  traversing  the  continent  to  St.  Peters 
burg  where  he  acted  as  secretary  to  the  American  minister, 

La  Fayette  live?  526.  What  was  the  state  of  the  country  at  the  close  of  Monroe's  sec 
ond  term?  What  had  been  effected?  Name  the  candidates  for  the  presidency  in  1824. 
Who  received  the  most  votes?  On  whom  did  the  choice  devolve?  Who  was  elected 
president?  Who,  vice-president ? 


398  JOHN  QUINCY  ADAMS'  ADMINISTRATION.       [isae 

and  on  his  return  passing  through  Sweden  and  Denmark,  the 
young  Adams,  though  his  education  was  thus  irregular,  en 
joyed  unusual  opportunities  of  becoming  acquainted  with 
men  and  manners,  and  learning  the  routine  of  diplomatic 
business.  On  the  appointment  of  his  father  as  minister  to 
England,  he  returned  to  his  native  country,  and  entered 
Harvard  University,  where  he  was  graduated  with  distinc 
tion  in  1787.  The  study  and  practice  of  law  next  engaged 
his  attention ;  but,  improving  his  leisure  to  publish  some 
political  papers,  he  became  known  as  a  statesman,  was  ap 
pointed  by  Washington  minister  to  Netherlands  and  Portu 
gal,  was  transferred  by  his  father  to  Prussia,  was  sent  to  the 
senate  of  Massachusetts  and  afterwards  to  the  U.  S.  senate, 
was  made  minister  to  Russia  by  Madison,  and  afterwards,  as 
we  have  seen,  served  as  minister  at  the  court  of  St.  James, 
and  secretary  of  state  under  Monroe.  By  this  extended  ex 
perience  was  Mr.  Adams  qualified  for  the  high  office  to  which 
he  was  called ;  and  though,  soon  after  his  inauguration,  the 
friends  of  Crawford  and  Jackson  combined  to  oppose  the 
administration  and  party-spirit  once  more  became  violent, 
yet  the  country  enjoyed  un diminished  prosperity.  Henry 
Clay  served  as  secretary  of  state  throughout  the  whole  of 
Mr.  Adams'  term. 

528.  On  the  4th  of  July,  1826,  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of 
the  declaration  of  that  independence  which  they  had  helped 
to  establish,  among  the  rejoicings  of  their  countrymen,  and 
while  their  own  names  were  on  every  tongue,  expired  two  of 
the  truest  benefactors  of  America,  John  Adams  and  Thomas 
Jefferson, — the  former  at  the  age  of  90  ;  the  latter,  82.  Ad 
ams  had  been  invited  to  participate  in  the  celebration  at 
Quincy ;  but  his  weakness  would  not  permit,  and  he  could 
only  send  as  a  toast  his  own  words  uttered  half  a  century 
before,  "  Independence  forever !"  Before  the  day  was  over, 
he  had  ceased  to  breathe,  his  last  words  being  "  Jefferson 
survives !" 

527.  Give  a  sketch  of  John  Quincy  Adams'  early  life.  What  did  he  do  on  the  appoint 
ment  of  his  father  to  the  court  of  St.  James  ?  What  profession  did  he  study  ?  Give  au 
account  of  his  diplomatic  career.  By  whom  was  his  administration  opposed  ?  Who 


EXCITEMENT   AGAINST   THE   FREE-MASONS.  399 

Jefferson  did  live,  but  it  was  beyond  the  grave ;  he  had 
died  at  an  earlier  hour  the  same  day.  For  some  time  before, 
his  strength  had  been  failing,  but  the  wish  which  he  had 
earnestly  expressed  to  see  another  4th  of  July  was  gratified. 
His  last  words  were,  "I  resign  my  soul  to  my  God  and  my 
daughter  to  my  country."  A  bereaved  nation  received  the 
tidings  of  these  blows  with  every  evidence  of  sorrow.  Tears 
fell  in  all  parts  of  the  Union.  "  It  is  right,"  said  Webster, 
"  that  it  should  be  thus ;  the  tears  which  flow,  and  the  honors 
that  are  paid,  when  the  friends  of  the  Republic  die,  give  hope 
that  the  Republic  itself  may  be  immortal." 

529.  Adams  renewed  a  proposition  which  had  been  made 
by  his  predecessor,  to  purchase  the  lands  of  the  Indians  still 
left  in  the  several  states,  and  remove  them  west  of  the  Mis 
sissippi.     Some  of  the  tribes  objected  to  parting  with  their 
territory;   but  in  February,  1826,  a  deputation  from  the 
Creeks  ceded  all  their  lands  in  Georgia  to  the  U.  S.  except 
a  million  of  acres;  and  these  also  were  afterwards  purchased. 

530.  A  new  element  was  introduced  into  the  political  con 
tests  of  the  country  by  an  occurrence  which  took  place  about 
this  time  in  the  state  of  New  York.     Free-masonry,  an  an 
cient  institution  of  Europe,  originating  with  architects  and 
builders,  but  afterwards  extended  to  all  and  supported  by 
many  of  high  rank,  found   its   way  to  America  in  1730. 
Lodges  were  multiplied  ;  and  Washington,  De  Witt  Clin 
ton,  and  other  distinguished  men  became  "  free  and  accepted 
masons".     In  September,  1826,  William  Morgan,  a  member 
of  the  fraternity  residing  in  western    New  York,   having 
threatened  to  publish  a  work  which  would  reveal  the  secrets 
of  the  order,  was  suddenly  abducted  from  home,  and  never 
afterwards  seen  by  his  friends.     He  was  traced  to  Lewiston, 
and  thence  to  Fort  Niagara  ;  but  no  further  clew  to  his  fate 
could  be  obtained.     A  committee  of  the  legislature,  appoint- 

was  his  secretary  of  state?  528.  What  took  place  July  4, 182G  ?  What  were  the  ages  of 
the  two  ex-presidents?  Give  an  account  of  John  Adams' death.  Of  Jefferson's.  What 
did  Webster  say  in  allusion  to  these  events?  529.  What  did  Adams  propose  with  re- 
Bpect  to  the  Indians?  "What  was  done  by  the  Creeks?  53ft.  How  was  a  new  element 
Introduced  into  the  political  contests  of  the  country?  What  is  said  of  free-masonry f/ 
Give  an  account  of  the  occurrence  in  New  York.  What  report  was  made  by  a  coiu- 


400 


JOHN  QUINCY  ADAMS'  ADMINISTRATION.        [isas 


ed  to  investigate  the  matter,  reported  that  he  had  been  mur 
dered,  and  such  was  the  belief  of  many,  though  no  positive 
evidence  to  that  effect  could  ever  be  obtained.  An  intense 
excitement  arose  against  the  masons,  on  whom  the  crime  was 
charged ;  and  a  party  was  formed  with  the  avowed  object 
of  suppressing  their  secret  organization  in  the  United  States, 
as  dangerous  to  freedom  of  government  and  the  safety  of 
the  community.  Masonry  was  too  strong  to  be  thus  put 
down ;  but  feeling  ran  high  against  it,  and  for  several  years 
at  the  North  the  Anti-masons  exercised  a  powerful  influence, 
which  they  used  freely  for  political  purposes. 

531.  De  Witt 
Clinton,  one  of  the 
most      prominent 
members    of    the 
fraternity   at    the 
time  of  this  event, 
shared  in  the  oblo 
quy  it  occasioned ; 
and  before  the  ex 
citement  had  sub 
sided  he  died  sud 
denly  of  disease  of 
the  heart,  on  the 
llth  of  February, 

1828.     He  had  fill-  l)E  UITT  ^LINT(>N-S  RESIDENCE,  MASPBTH,  L.L 

ed  many  high  offices  with  great  ability ;  had  been  mayor  of 
the  city  of  New  York  and  governor  of  the  state  ;  had  served 
in  the  U.  S.  senate ;  had  done  much  for  literature,  science, 
and  art,  and  worked  with  equal  energy  in  the  great  cause  of 
internal  improvements.  To  none  of  her  distinguished  sons 
is  the  commonwealth  of  New  York  more  largely  indebted. 

532.  The  two  principal  subjects  which  engaged  the  presi 
dent's  attention  were  internal  improvements  and  domestic 
manufactures.     He  was  in  favor  of  opening  national  roads 

niltteo  of  the  legislature  ?  What  was  the  consequence  ?  What  Is  said  of  the  anti- 
masons?  581.  Who  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  masons?  When  did  De  Witt 
Clinton  die?  What  is  said  of  his  career?  532.  What  were  the  two  principal  subjects 


1838]  INCREASE   OF   TBE   TARIFF.  401 

and  canals,  improving  harbors  and  the  channels  of  rivers, 
erecting  light-houses,  and  making  other  provision  for  the 
safety  of  coast  navigation.  To  advance  the  manufacturing 
interests,  which  had  become  important  in  the  northern  and 
eastern  states,  he  recommended  increasing  the  duties  on  im 
ported  goods.  The  necessity  of  such  duties  had  been  gener 
ally  acknowledged,  and  in  1816,  Lowndesand  Calhoun,  both 
of  South  Carolina,  advocated  a  high  protective  tariff,  or  list 
of  imposts.  In  1828,  in  accordance  with  the  views  of  the 
president,  increased  duties  were  laid  on  cotton,  woollen,  and 
linen  fabrics,  silks,  iron,  lead,  &c.  The  North,  largely  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  some  of  these  articles,  was  of  course 
benefited  by  this  new  tariff,  because  it  prevented  foreign 
goods  from  selling  lower  than  those  at  home  ;  but  southern 
statesmen,  including  Calhoun,  violently  opposed  it,  inasmuch 
as  the  South,  an  agricultural  and  not  a  manufacturing  coun 
try,  had  to  pay  higher  prices  for  articles  it  was  obliged  to 
use.  Especially  in  South  Carolina  was  this  feeling  exhibited ; 
and  the  people  of  Charleston  showed  their  disapprobation  by 
placing  their  flags  at  half-mast. 

533.  Mr.  Adams  ran  a  second  time  for  the  presidency, 
but  was  defeated  by  Gen.  Jackson.  Calhoun  was  reflected 
vice-president.  On  the  4th  of  March,  1829,  Adams  resigned 
the  country,  at  peace  with  all  the  world,  and  still  blessed 
with  internal  prosperity,  into  the  hands  of  his  successor. 


CHAPTER   X. 

JACKSON'S  ADMINISTRATION,  1829-1837. 

534.  JACKSON'S  journey  from  his  home   near  'Nashville, 
known  as  "  the  Hermitage",  to  the  federal  capital,  wras   a 

that  engaged  the  president's  attention  ?  Of  what  Internal  improvements  was  he  in 
fevor?  What  measure  did  he  advocate  for  the  advancement  of  manufacturing  inter 
ests?  By  whom  was  a  high  protective  tariff  recommended  in  1816  ?  What  action  was 
taken  on  this  subject  by  Congress  in  1823?  How  did  the  North  feel  towards  the  new 
tariff?  How,  the  South  ?  How  did  the  people  of  Charleston  show  their  disapproba 
tion?  533.  Who  were  the  next  candidates  for  the  presidency?  Who  was  elected? 
"Who  was  chosen  vice-president  ?  On  what  day  was  Jackson  inaugurated  ? 


402 


JACKSON  S   ADMINISTRATION. 


ANDKEW   JACKSON. 


succession  of  tri 
umphs.  He  appoint 
ed  Martin  Van  Buren, 
of  New  York,  secre 
tary  of  state,  and  pro 
ceeded  to  fill  the  prin 
cipal  offices  in  his  gift 
with  men  professing 
the  same  political  prin 
ciples  as  himself.  To 
do  this,  he  removed 
nearly  700  office-hold 
ers  ;  and  the  practice 
of  thus  rewarding  po 
litical  friends  has  been 
followed  by  every  suc 
ceeding  president. 
Jackson  was  a  man  of  determined  will,  and  his  administra 
tion  of  the  government  was  marked  by  the  same  energy  and 
self-reliance  that  humbled  the  Creeks  and  drove  the  flower 
of  the  British  army  from  New  Orleans. 

535.  In  1832,  the  United  States  was  devastated  by  the 
Asiatic  cholera,  a  destructive  epidemic  which  originated  hi 
1S1Y  in  the  marshes  at  the  mouth  of  the  Ganges.     After 
confining  its  ravages  for  some  years  to  India,  it  gradually 
spread,  till  it  reached  London  in  1831,  creating  a  conster 
nation  like  that  occasioned  by  the  plague.      Crossing  the 
Atlantic  the  following  year,  it  appeared  first  in  Canada,  and 
thence  quickly  traversed  the  Union  in  a  southwesterly  direc 
tion,  setting  medical  skill  at  defiance,  and  hurrying  thou 
sands  into  eternity.     Since  then,  a  few  cases  of  cholera  have 
occurred  every  summer,  and  the  disease  seems  to  have  lost 
much  of  its  original  virulence. 

536.  About  this  time,  the  northwestern  frontier  suffered  from 

584.  What  is  said  of  Jackson's  journey  from  his  home  to  the  capital  ?  Whom  did  he 
make  secretary  of  state  ?  With  whom  did  he  fill  the  principal  offices  ?  How  many 
office-holders  did  he  remove  for  this  purpose  ?  By  whom  has  this  practice  been  fol 
lowed?  What  was  the  character  of  Jackson's  administration?  585.  By  what  was  the 
United  States  devastated  in  1832  ?  Where  did  the  cholera  originate  ?  Give  an  account 


i83«J  BLACK  HAWK'S  WAR.  403 

what  is^known  in  history  as  Black  Hawk's  War.  The  Sacs 
and  Foxes,  occupying  the  Rock  River  country  in  Illinois,  a 
quarter  of  a  century  before  had  sold  their  lands  to  the  United 
States,  but  continued  to  inhabit  them;  and  now  that  the 
march  of  civilization  had  reached  their  borders,  and  govern 
ment  was  disposing  of  their  territory  to  settlers,  they  re 
fused  to  leave  it,  on  the  ground  that  the  original  sale  was 
illegal.  The  governor  of  Illinois  took  the  field  with  1,600 
mounted  men,  and  induced  some  of  the  chiefs  to  sign  a  new 
treaty  and  cross  the  Mississippi ;  but  Black  Hawk  still  held 
out,  and  with  such  of  his  countrymen  as  he  could  raise  de 
termined  to  defend  the  graves  of  his  fathers.  Several  skir 
mishes  took  place,  and  the  war  finally  assumed  so  dangerous 
an  aspect  that  Gen.  Scott  was  sent  from  the  Atlantic  coast 
with  nine  companies  of  artillery.  Moving  with  his  usual  dis 
patch,  Scott  reached  Chicago,  a  distance  of  1,800  miles,  in 
18  days;  but  there  his  force  was  overtaken  by  the  cholera, 
and  before  he  could  proceed  on  his  march  he  lost  more  men 
by  the  epidemic  than  all  that  were  killed. in  the  war.  Thus 
detained,  and  exposed  to  greater  danger  and  suifering  than 
he  had  ever  encountered  on  the  field  of  battle,  Scott  was  un 
able  to  reach  the  scene  of  action ;  and  Gen.  Atkinson,  in 
several  decisive  battles,  the  last  of  which  took  place  August 
2nd,  1832,  defeated  the  Sac  chief,  and  gained  possession  of 
his  person.  After  being  confined  for  a  time  in  one  of  the 
western  forts,  Black  Hawk  was  taken  to  the  Atlantic 
cities,  where  he  was  well  received,  and  saw  much  that  ex 
cited  his  curiosity.  Convinced  by  his  tour  that  resistance 
against  so  powerful  a  nation  was  useless,  he  was  at  length 
allowed  to  rejoin  his  people.  With  regret  he  abandoned  to 
the  pale-faces  the  ancient  hunting-grounds  of  his  tribe,  and 
retired  to  Iowa,  where  he  died  in  1838. 

537.  Difficulties  also  arose  with  the  Cherokees.  This  nation 
now  numbered  15,000  souls,  and  had  made  no  little  advance 

of  its  successive  ravages.  What  is  said  of  this  disease  since  1832  ?  536.  From  what 
did  the  northwestern  frontier  suffer  about  this  time?  Relate  the  circumstances  that 
led  to  Black  Hawk's  War.  What  was  effected  by  the  governor  of  Illinois?  Who  was 
finally  sent  to  the  seat  of  war  ?  Give  an  account  of  Scott's  movements.  What  was  the 
result  of  the  war?  What  became  of  Black  Hawk?  537.  With  what  other  tribe  did 


4:04: 

in  the  arts  of  civilized  life.  They  had  a  republican  govern 
ment,  a  printing-press,  churches,  and  missionary  schools  hi 
which  500  children  were  receiving  instruction.  Tired  of 
waiting  for  the  general  government  to  remove  them,  ac 
cording  to  its  engagement,  the  legislature  of  Georgia  passed 
laws  abolishing  the  Cherokee  republic,  and  extending  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  state  over  their  country.  The  Indians 
claimed  that  the  protection  of  the  United  States  had  been 
guarantied  them  by  numerous  treaties,  and  appealed  to  the 
Supreme  Court,  before  which  their  case  was  argued  by  Mr. 
Wirt.  Though  the  court  declared  the  acts  of  Georgia  un 
constitutional  and  void,  the  president  favored  the  removal 
of  the  Cherokees  beyond  the  Mississippi ;  and  Congress  in 
1834  organized  "the  Indian  Territory",  part  of  which  was 
appropriated  to  their  use.  But  the  Cherokees  refused  to 
leave  their  pleasant  farms  and  the  scenes  of  their  childhood, 
and  at  one  time  war  was  apprehended.  At  length,  however, 
in  consideration  of  a  little  over  $5,000,000,  they  agreed  to 
cede  their  territory  and  remove  to  the  West.  Even  after 
this,  obstacles  were  interposed ;  and  it  was  not  till  1837  that 
they  were  induced  by  the  conciliatory  but  determined  meas 
ures  of  Gen.  Scott,  who  was  authorized  to  effect  their  re 
moval  by  force,  if  necessary,  to  commence  their  march  to  tha 
region  assigned  them  on  the  bank  of  the  Arkansas. 

538.  The  dissatisfaction  of  South  Carolina  and  other  south 
ern  states  with  the  tariff  of  1828  was  greatly  increased  in 
1832  by  the  passage  of  a  law  laying  additional  duties  on  for 
eign  manufactures.  The  federal  government  was  violently 
denounced,  and  a  party  was  formed  in  South  Carolina,  which 
determined  to  nullify  its  action  by  preventing  the  collection 
of  the  obnoxious  duties  in  southern  ports.  They  were  known 
as  Nullifiers,  and  were  led  by  Calhoun  and  Hayne.  The 
former  resigned  the  vice-presidency  that  he  might  be  elected 

difficulties  arise  f  Describe  the  condition  of  the  Cherokees  at  this  time.  What  action 
was  taken  by  Georgia  ?  How  did  the  Cherokees  seek  to  protect  themselves  ?  How 
was  the  case  decided  ?  What  were  the  president's  views?  What  provision  did  Con 
gress  make  for  the  Cherokees ?  How  was  their  consent  to  emigrate  finally  obtained? 
How  were  they  at  last  compelled  to  go?  538.  How  was  the  tariff  modified  in  1832? 
Whatwastheconsequencein  the  cotton-growing  states  ?  What  proceedings  were  had 


1833J  NULLIFICATION.  405 

to  the  senate,  and  there  with  his  clear  and  logical  reasoning 
defend  what  he  conceived  to  be  the  rights  of  his  state ;  and 
Hayue  measured  his  eloquence  against  that  of  Webster  in  a 
debate  which  has  become  celebrated  in  the  parliamentary 
history  of  America.  The  president  issued  a  proclamation 
against  the  nullifiers,  which  was  met  by  a  counter-proclama 
tion  from  the  governor  of  South  Carolina.  Both  parties 
prepared  to  support  their  views  with  arms ;  but  Jackson's 
prompt  measures  determined  the  nullification  leaders  to  post 
pone  their  forcible  opposition  to  the  collection  of  duties  till 
March  1st,  1833.  In  the  mean  time,  Clay,  ever  the  friend 
of  the  Union,  appeared  with  a  compromise  which  provided 
for  the  gradual  reduction  of  the  duties  in  question,  until  in 
ten  years  they  should  reach  the  low  point  demanded  by 
South  Carolina.  This  bill  was  passed  by  Congress,  and  re 
ceived  the  president's  signature,  March  3d,  1833.  It  restored 
peace  and  averted  evils  which  at  one  time  threatened  the 
very  existence  of  the  Union. 

539.  Jackson's  energetic  administration  of  the  government 
gave  general  satisfaction,  and  he  was  reflected,  with  Martin 
Van  Buren  as  vice-president.     He  entered  on  his  second 
term,  March  4th,  1833. 

540.  Opposed  to  the  United  States  Bank,  and  apprehend 
ing  an  abuse  of  the  great  power  it  wielded,  the  president  in 
1832  vetoed  a  bill  passed  by  Congress,  providing  for  a  re 
newal  of  its  charter  in  1836.     In  October,  1833,  he  went  so 
far  as  to  remove  from  it  the  public  funds,  then  amounting  to 
about  $10,000,000,  and  deposit  them  in  certain  state  banks 
selected  for  that  purpose.     So  closely  connected  was  the  na 
tional  bank  with  the  commercial  interests  of  the  country, 
that  this  act,  cutting  it  off  from  the  support  of  government, 
created  a  panic,  and  plunged  the  mercantile  community  in 
distress.     Numerous  failures   followed ;    the  president  was 

In  South  Carolina  ?  By  whom  were  the  nullifiers  led  ?  What  was  done  by  Calhoun 
and  Hayne  ?  What  proclamations  were  issued?  For  what  did  both  parties  prepare? 
What  did  the  nullification  leaders  finally  determine  to  do  ?  How  was  the  difficulty  in 
the  mean  time  settled  ?  539.  What  \vas  the  result  of  the  election  of  1832  ?  540.  How 
did  Jackson  feel  towards  the  U.  S.  Bank  ?  How  did  he  show  his  hostility  to  it  in  188-2  ? 
How,  in  1833  ?  What  was  the  effect  of  the  removal  of  the  deposits  from  the  U.  8. 


4:06  JACKSON'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [isa* 

violently  condemned,  and  was  even  censured  by  a  resolution 
of  the  senate.  Jackson,  however,  confirmed  in  his  apprehen 
sions  by  this  revulsion,  and  supported  by  the  house  of  repre 
sentatives,  stood  firm,  and,  despite  petitions  and  remonstran 
ces,  refused  to  restore  the  deposits.  The  state  banks  enlarged 
their  operations;  confidence  was  gradually  restored,  and 
commercial  prosperity  revived. 

541.  In  1834,  Jackson  was  compelled  to  take  a  decided 
course  with  France.     By  a  treaty  made  in  1831,  the  French 
government  had  agreed  to  pay  about  $5,000,000  for  injuries 
done  to  American  commerce  during  the  wars  of  Napoleon. 
The  Chamber  of  Deputies  having  refused  for  several  years 
to  appropriate  the  money,  Jackson,  in  December,  1834,  rec 
ommended  Congress  to  authorize  reprisals  on  French  com 
merce,  and  directed  the  American  minister  to  demand  his 
passports  and  leave  Paris.     These  peremptory  measures  had 
the  desired  effect,  and  the  money  was  promptly  paid.     Por 
tugal  was  made  to  pay  a  similar  indemnity ;  treaties  were 
concluded  with  Russia  and  Belgium ;  and  the  United  States 
rapidly  rose  in  the  estimation  of  European  powers. 

542.  A  war  with  the  Seminoles,  which  was  attended  with 
much  danger  and  suffering  to  the  troops  and  officers  engaged 
in  it,  broke  out  in  1835.     It  originated  in  an  attempt  to  re 
move  the  Seminoles  from  their  seats  in  Florida  to  lands  pro 
vided  for  them  west  of  the  Mississippi,  to  which  a  delegation 
of  their  chiefs  had  agreed  to  emigrate.     Osceola  \os-e-o' -ld\, 
otherwise  known  as  Powell,  a  half-breed  of  superior  cunning 
and  bravery,  was  the  leading  spirit  among  the  Red  Men. 
Preparing  his  people  for  a  war  of  extermination  on  the  white 
settlers,  he  deluded  the  U.  S.  agents  with  fair  promises  till 
he  was  ready  to  strike  the  intended  blow.    The  murder  of  a 
chief  who  had  signed  the  treaty  and  the  flight  of  some  friend 
ly  Seminoles  to  the  U.  S.  post  at  Tampa  Bay,  first  revealed 
his  purposes. 

Bank?  How  was  this  act  of  the  president  regarded  by  some  ?  What  position  did  Jack 
son  maintain?  What  was  the  ultimate  result?  541.  With  what  country  was  Jacksou 
compelled  to  take  a  decided  course  in  1834?  Kelate  the  circumstances.  With  what 
other  European  powers  were  satisfactory  treaties  made  ?  What  was  the  effect  on  tho 
standing  of  the  United  States  abroad  ?  542.  What  war  broke  out  in  1S35  ?  "Whut  was 


1835J  THE   SEMINOLE   WAR.  407 

Troops  wore  immediately  ordered  to  Florida ;  and  Major 
Dade  set  out  from  Tampa  with  117  men,  to  join  Gen.  Clinch 
at  Camp  King,  in  the  interior  of  the  country.  Dade's  force 
fell  into  an  ambuscade,  and,  though  they  defended  them 
selves  bravely,  were  all  killed  except  one  man,  who,  feigning 
death,  was  thrown  on  a  pile  of  bodies.  When  the  enemy  had 
departed,  he  crept  out  and  made  his  way  through  the  woodn 
to  his  countrymen,  after  incredible  sufferings,  which,  with 
his  wounds,  soon  proved  fatal.  General  Thompson,  while 
dining  with  some  friends  within  sight  of  the  garrison  at  Camp 
King,  was  massacred  the  same  day  that  Dade's  detachment 
\vas  cut  off.  On  the  31st  of  December,  Gen.  Clinch,  having 
marched  against  one  of  the  Seminole  settlements,  was  at 
tacked  at  disadvantage  by  Osceola,  and,  after  a  severe  battle 
in  which  the  Indians -wrere  three  times  repulsed,  returned  to 
Fort  Drane,  where  he  had  fixed  his  head-quarters.  The 
whole  country  was  now  ravaged  by  the  Indians.  Plantations 
were  devastated,  houses  burned,  negroes  carried  off,  families 
murdered.  The  settlers  fled  to  the  forts  for  refuge,  but  many 
were  cut  off  on  the  way. 

On  the  7th  of  February,  1836,  Gen.  Scott,  who  had  been 
appointed  to  the  command  in  Florida,  reached  St.  Augustine. 
Learning  that  Clinch  was  hard  pressed  at  Fort  Drane,  he  set 
out  as  soon  as  possible  for  his  relief.  Gen.  Gaines  had  also 
taken  the  field  from  the  west,  with  about  a  thousand  men. 
An  action  took  place  with  the  savages  near  the  scene  of 
Clinch's  former  battle,  and  the  Seminoles  were  repulsed  with 
loss.  Before  Scott  could  cooperate  with  the  western  army 
and  surround  the  enemy,  they  had  withdrawn  to  the  swamps 
and  everglades  in  the  south,  where  for  a  time  they  were  safe 
from  pursuit.  Scott  then  proceeded  to  the  country  of  the 
Creeks,  some  of  whom  had  been  induced  by  the  Seminoles 
to  commence  hostilities.  After  the  inhabitants  had  suffered 

the  cause  of  the  Seminole  War  T  Who  was  the  chief  Seminole  leader  ?  Give  an  account 
of  his  proceedings.  What  action  was  taken  by  government  ?  Give  an  account  of  Major 
Dade's  massacre.  Relate  the  circumstances  under  which  Gen.  Thompson  was  murdered. 
What  expedition  was  undertaken  by  Gen.  Clinch?  Whut  was  the  result?  Describe 
the  state  of  the  country  at  this  time.  Who  reached  St  Augustine,  Feb.  7,  1836?  What 
was  Scott's  first  movement  ?  Give  an  account  of  Gen.  Gaines1  engagement  with  the 
Indians.  Before  the  enemy  could  be  surrounded,  what  did  they  do?  Whither  did  Scott 


408  JACKSON'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [isas 

much  from  their  depredations,  the  Creeks  were  finally  sub 
dued  and  compelled  to  move  west  of  the  Mississippi. 

The  remaining  history  of  the  Seminole  War,  though  it 
belongs  to  Van  Buren's  administration,  will  be  given  here. 
Gen.  Jessup  succeeded  Scott  in  the  command  of  the  army  in 
Florida.  In  October,  1837,  Osceola  presented  himself  with 
a  flag  of  truce  at  the  American  camp.  Jessup,  suspecting  a 
repetition  of  treachery  and  desiring  to  save  unnecessary 
bloodshed,  disregarded  the  flag,  seized  the  chief,  and  sent 
him  to  Fort  Moultrie,  near  Charleston,  where  he  died  the 
following  year.  The  Seminoles,  notAvithstanding,  continued 
hostilities.  In  December,  1838,  Col.  Taylor  (afterwards  a 
distinguished  general  in  the  Mexican  War  and  president  of 
the  U.  S.)  set  out  with  over  a  thousand  men  for  the  almost 
inaccessible  haunts  to  which  the  enemy  -had  retreated.  The 
sufferings  this  army  encountered  from  fatiguing  marches 
through  tangled  deserts  and  swamps  filled  with  poisonous 
insects  and  reptiles,  can  hardly  be  conceived.  On  the  25th 
of  December,  1838,  they  found  the  enemy  prepared  to  re 
ceive  them  near  O-kee-cho'-bee  [Big  Water}  Lake.  After  a 
hard-fought  battle,  in  which  Taylor  lost  139  men,  the  enemy, 
who  had  also  suffered  severely,  were  obliged  to  retreat.  For 
more  than  a  year  longer  the  U.  S.  army  underwent  terrible 
privations  in  their  endeavors  to  bring  this  harassing  war  to 
an  end.  A  treaty  was  signed  in  1839 ;  but  the  Seminoles 
did  not  entirely  desist  from  their  ravages  till  1842,  when 
peace  was  firmly  established.  Since  then,  numbers  of  them 
have  been  removed  to  the  West. 

543.  Two  destructive  conflagrations,  which  were  regarded 
as  national  calamities,  occurred  about  this  time.  On  the  16th 
of  December,  1835,  a  fire  broke  out  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
city  of  New  York,  which  was  occupied  by  large  mercantile 
houses.  The  night  being  so  cold  that  the  water  froze  as 
it  was  drawn  from  the  hydrants,  over  thirty  acres  were 

then  proceed  ?  What  did  he  soon  compel  the  Creeks  to  do  ?  Who  succeeded  Scott  in 
Florida?  How  did  Jessup  obtain  possession  of  Osceola?  What  became  of  this  chief? 
In  Dec.,  1838,  who  set  out  on  an  expedition  against  the  Seminoles?  From  what  did 
his  army  suffer  severely?  Give  an  account  of  the  battle  of  Okeechobee.  How  much 
longer  did  the  war  continue  ?  When  were  peace  and  security  finally  restored  ?  543. 


1835]        DEATH    OF   MONROE,    CARROLL,    RANDOLPH.  409 

laid  in  ashes  before  the  flames  were  stayed;  529  houses  and 
$18,000,000  worth  of  property  were  consumed.  It  was 
feared  that  so  serious  a  loss  would  embarrass  the  business 
community;  a  few  failures  occurred,  but  "the  burnt  district" 
was  speedily  covered  with  magnificent  warehouses,  which 
greatly  improved  that  section  of  the  city.  The  other  fire 
alluded  to  took  place  at  Washington,  Dec.  15,  1836,  destroy 
ing  the  U.  S.  Post  Office,  and  the  Patent  Office,  with  7,000 
models  and  10,000  designs  of  inventions. 

544.  The  great  men  who  died  during  Jackson's  adminis 
tration  must  not  be  forgotten.  On  the  4th  of  July,  1831, 
Monroe  breathed  his  last  at  the  residence  of  his  son-in-law  in 
New  York,  in  his  72nd  year.  He  died,  like  Jefferson  and 
Adams,  amid  national  rejoicings  for  blessings  which  he  had 
helped  to  secure.  Monroe  was  a  native  of  Westmoreland 
County,  Virginia.  He  shed  his  blood  at  Trenton  in  'the 
Revolutionary  War,  served  with  gallantry  at  Brandywine, 
Germantown,  and  Monmouth,  and  was  eminently  successful 
as  a  diplomatist  and  statesman. 

The  year  1832  witnessed  the  departure  of  Charles  Carroll, 
of  Carrollton,  the  last  surviving  signer  of  the  Declaration  of 
Independence,  at  the  advanced  age  of  96.  He  had  served 
his  country  in  various  public  stations  with  fidelity  and  suc 
cess,  and  had  seen  it  increase  in  population  from  two  to  thir 
teen  millions.  The  same  year  died  Philip  Freneau  [fre-no'], 
one  of  the  poets  of  the  Revolution,  whose  patriotic  verses 
had  done  much  towards  rousing  his  countrymen  for  that 
great  struggle.  He  died  at  the  age  of  80,  near  Freehold, 
New  Jersey. 

On  the  24th  of  May,  1833,  John  Randolph,  of  Roanoke, 
Va.,  a  descendant  of  Pocahontas,  died  at  the  age  of  60.  He 
commenced  public  life  in  1799,  and  served  thirty  years  in 
Congress,  where  he  became  distinguished  for  his  eccentric 
conduct,  his  sharpness  of  wit,  and  his  tremendous  powers  of 
sarcasm  which  made  him  feared  by  all  parties.  In  1830, 

Give  on  account  of  the  great  fire  in  New  York.  What  other  fire  took  place  about  the 
Same  time  ?  544  Give  an  account  of  the  death  of  Monroe.  Where  was  he  born  ?  What 
is  said  of  his  previous  history?  What  two  distinguished  men  died  in  1882?  What  ia 
said  of  Charles  Carroll  ?  What,  of  Philip  Freneau  ?  When  did  Randolph,  of  Roanokey 

18 


410 


JACKSON'S  ADMINISTRATION. 


[1830 


Jackson  appointed  him  minister  to  Russia.  Randolph's 
speeches  were  widely  read  and  admired.  Poetry  and  his 
tory  were  his  favorite  studies,  and  few  were  better  versed  hi 
them  than  he. 

Two  more  of  the 
great  men  of  Vir 
ginia,  Chief  Justice 
Marshall  and  Ex- 
president  Madison, 
died  respectively  in 
1835  and  1836,  the 
former  aged  80,  the 
latter  85.  As  a  mem 
ber  of  Congress,  a 
cabinet  officer,  and 
chief  justice  of  the 
U.  S.,  Marshall  did 
good  service  to  his 
country.  His  abili 
ties  as"  a  writer  are  CHIEF  JTJSTICK  MARSHALL'8  *»"««<«.  RICHMOND,  VA. 
conspicuously  displayed  hi  his  widely-read  and  still  popular 
"Life  of  Washington". 

545.  Arkansas  was  admitted  into  the  Union  in  June,  1836, 
and  Michigan  in  the  following  January. 

546.  Gen.  Jackson's  second  term  being  about  to  expire, 
Martin  Van  Buren  was  nominated  to  succeed  him  by  the 
democrats,  or  supporters  of  the  administration ;  while  its 
opponents,  who  in  1836  assumed  the  name  of  whiff  s,  voted 
chiefly  for  Gen.  Harrison,  of  Ohio.     Van  Buren  was  elected, 
and  inaugurated  on  the  4th  of  March,  1837.     No  vice-presi 
dent  having  been  chosen  by  the  people,  Col.  Richard  M. 
Johnson,  of  Kentucky,  one  of  the  heroes  of  Tippecanoe,  was 
elected  by  the  senate  to  that  office? 

die  ?  At  what  age  ?  What  is  said  of  his  public  life  and  attainments  ?  What  two  other 
distinguished  Virginians  died  during  Jackson's  term  ?  What  is  said  of  Chief  Justice 
Marshall?  545.  When  were  Arkansas  and  Michigan  admitted?  546.  Who  were  tho 
.  candidates  at  the  next  presidential  election  ?  Who  was  elected?  When  was  he  inau 
gurated  ?  Who  was  chosen  vice-president  ? 


i83i]  VAN  BUREN'S  ADMINISTRATION.  411 

'   CHAPTER    XI. 

VAN    BUREN'S    ADMINISTRATION,  1837-1841. 

547.  MARTIN  VAN  BUREN  was  born  at  Kinderhook,  New 
York,  on  the  5th  of  December,  1782.     He  left  school  at  14 ; 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  21 ;  was  elected  to  the  N.  Y. 
senate  in  his  30th  year ;  was  sent  to  the  U.  S.  senate  in  1821 ; 
was  chosen  governor  of  N.  Y.  in  1828;   became  Jackson's 
secretary  of  state  the  following  year;  was  appointed  min 
ister  to  Great  Britain,  and  then  received  in  succession  the 
two  highest  offices  in  the  gift  of  his  countrymen. 

548.  Hardly  was  Van  Buren  seated  in  the  presidential 
chair,  when  the  business  community  were "  paralyzed  by  a 
revulsion  in  their  monetary  affairs.     The  last  year  of  Jack 
son's  administration  had  been  one  of  great  apparent  pros 
perity.     The  national  debt  was  extinguished,  and  a  surplus 
of  nearly  $40,000,000  had  accumulated  in  the  treasury,  which 
Congress  ordered  to  be  distributed  among  the  several  states. 
Banks  had  multiplied  to  such  an  extent  that  there  were  com 
puted  to  be  no  less  than  677  in  the  Union,  with  146  branches; 
most  of  which  had  issued  notes  to  a  large  amount  beyond 
what  they  were  able  to  redeem.     Business  men  traded  ex 
tensively  on  credit,  and  in  many  cases  gave  up  honest  indus 
try  for  wild  speculation.     This  unhealthy  state  of  things  was 
necessarily  followed  by  a  revulsion,  and  the  crisis  occurred 
in  the  spring  of  1837.    The  banks  of  New  York  and  New 
Orleans  suspended  specie  payments,  that  is,  refused  to  re 
deem  their  notes  with  gold  or  silver ;  and  their  example  was 
followed  throughout  the  country.     Several  hundred  mercan 
tile  houses  immediately  stopped  payment,  and  in  New  Or 
leans  alone  failures  to  the  amount  of  $27,000,000  took  place 
within  two  days. 

An  order  known  as  "  the  specie  circular"  had  been  issued 

647.  Where  and  when  was  Martin  Van  Buren  born  ?  Give  a  sketch  of  his  public  life. 
548.  What  took  place  Immediately  after  Van  Buren's  inauguration?  What  is  assigned 
as  the  cause  of  this  revulsion  ?  When  did  the  crisis  occur  ?  What  were  the  banks  com- 
pelled  to  do?  What  was  the  consequence?  What  was  the  subsUnc*  of  "the  specie 


VAN  BUREN'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [iss? 

by  Jackson,  requiring  all  payments  to  the  government  to  be 
made  in  gold  and  silver,  and  thus,  it  was  claimed,  large  quan 
tities  of  specie  were  kept  out  of  circulation.  A  committee  of 
1ST.  Y.  merchants  petitioned  the  president  to  rescind  the  cir 
cular.  Van  Buren  refused  their  request,  but  called  an  extra 
session  of  Congress.  That  body  took  measures  to  protect 
the  government  from  embarrassment,  but  could  do  little  to 
relieve  the  prevalent  distress.  The  return  of  confidence  and 
prosperity  was  necessarily  slow.  The  ISTew  York  banks  re 
sumed  specie  payments  in  May,  1838,  as  did  those  in  other 
places  shortly  after. 

At  this  extra  session  Yan  Buren  submitted  his  famous 
Sub-treasury  Scheme,  for  the  safe  keeping  of  the  public  funds. 
It  was  at  first  violently  opposed  and  failed  to  pass  ;  but,  pre 
sented  at  a  subsequent  session,  it  became  a  law  in  1840. 
The  Sub-treasury  Bill  provided  that  all  government  dues 
should  be  paid  in  gold  or  silver,  which  should  not,  as  before, 
be  deposited  in  banks,  but  should  be  kept  in  certain  offices 
in  the  chief  cities  of  the  Union,  under  the  care  of  persons 
appointed  for  the  purpose,  called  sub-treasurers,  who  should 
give  security  for  the  proper  discharge  of  their  duty.  The 
sub-treasury  bill  was  the  great  measure  of  Yan  Buren's  ad 
ministration,  and  called  forth  violent  denunciations  from  his 
opponents.  Keeping  a  large  amount  of  specie  in  the  vaults 
of  government,  it  compelled  the  banks  to  limit  their  opera 
tions,  and  through  them  acted  on  the  community.  With 
such  efiect  was  this  argument  used  in  the  election  of  1840, 
that  Yan  Buren,  who  was  running  for  a  second  term,  was 
defeated  by  a  large  majority. 

549.  In  1837,  a  portion  of  the  Canadians  rose  against  the 
British  government  and  attempted  to  establish  their  inde 
pendence.  The  people  of  the  U.  S.,  particularly  those  of 
New  York,  sympathized  with  the  insurgents,  ,and  many 

circular"?  Who  petitioned  the  president  to  rescind  it?  How  did  the  president  answer 
fiieir  petition  ?  What  was  done  by  Congress?  When  did  the  hanks  resume  payment? 
What  scheme  did  the  president  submit  at,  this  extra  session  ?  What  was  its  fate  ?  Give 
tho  substance  of  the  Sub-treasury  Bill.  What  argument  was  urged  against  it?  What 
was  tbe  consequence  ?  549.  In  1837,  what  attempt  was  made  by  some  of  the  Canadians  ? 
How  did  the  people  of  the  U.  S.  feel  on  the  subject  ?  What  was  done  by  a  party  of  700 


1837]  TROUBLES   ON   THE   CANADA   FRONTIER.  413 

crossed  the  border  to  render  them  assistance.  A  party  of 
700  men  took  possession  of  Navy  Island,  a  British  depen 
dency  in  the  Niagara  River  [see  Map,  p.  351],  and  fortified 
it  so  strongly  as  to  resist  an  attack  from  the  loyalists.  The 
steamer  Caroline  was  employed  to  bring  them'  munitions 
from  Schlosser  on  the  American  side.  Late  at  night,  near 
the  close  of  December,  1837,  a  party  of  loyalists  crossed 
from  Canada,  set  fire  to  the  Caroline,  cut  her  from  her  moor 
ings,  and  allowed  her  to  drift  over  the  falls.  By  these  pro 
ceedings  the  peaceful  relations  between  Great  Britain  and 
the  U.  S.  were  endangered ;  but  Van  Buren  promptly  issued 
a  proclamation  forbidding  interference  in  the  affairs  of  Can 
ada,  and  sent  Gen.  Wool  to  the  frontier.  The  force  on  Navy 
Island  surrendered  their  arms  and  dispersed ;  and,  not  long 
after,  another  body  which  had  assembled  in  N.  Y.  near  the 
Canada  line,  with  hostile  intentions,  followed  their  example. 
The  insurrection  was  soon  suppressed,  and  harmony  between 
the  two  countries  was  once  more  restored. 


CHAPTER   XII. 

ADMINISTRATION    OP    HARRISON   AND   TYLER,  1841-1845. 

550.  VAN  BUREN  was  succeeded  by  William  Henry  Har 
rison,  of  Ohio,  who  was  inaugurated  March  4th,  1841. 
Harrison  was  born  on  the  James  River,  Virginia,  in  1773, 
and  on  the  death  of  his  father  was  placed  under  the  guar 
dianship  of  Robert  Morris,  the  great  financier  of  the  Revo 
lution.  Having  graduated  at  Hampden  Sidney  College,  he 
applied  himself  to  the  study  of  medicine ;  but,  before  the 
completion  of  his  course,  the  news  of  Indian  aggressions  hi 
the  West  led  him  to  join  the  army  then  about  to  take  the 

men  ?  [See  Map,  p.  351.— What  place  in  New  York  near  Navy  Island  ?  What  other 
Island  in  the  Niagara  River  ?]  How  did  the  loyalists  retaliate  ?  What  were  endangered 
by  these  proceedings?  What  steps  were  taken  by  the  president  ?  What  was  the  result  ? 
650.  By  whom  was  Van  Buren  succeeded  ?  When  was  Harrison  inaugurated  ?  Give 
«  sketch  of  Harrison's  previous  history.  What  won  for  Harrison  the  confidence  of  his 


414: 

field,  and  he  received  from  Washington  a  commission  as 
ensign.  Bearing  himself  gallantly  in  the  armies  of  St.  Clair 
and  Wayne,  he  was  rapidly  promoted,  and  finally  became 
lieutenant-governor  of  the  North-west  Territory.  In  1799, 
he  was  sent  to  Congress  as  its  first  delegate ;  and  soon  after 
he  was  appointed  governor  of  Indiana,  which  then  included, 
not  only  the  region  now  so  called,  but  also  Illinois,  Michigan, 
and  Wisconsin.  His  services  in  this  capacity,  and  his  victo 
ries  at  Tippecanoe  and  the  Thames,  gained  for  him  the 
hearty  gratitude  of  the  West,  as  well  as  the  unreserved  con 
fidence  of  the  whole  Union. 

John  Tyler  was  the  new  vice-president.  Born  in  1790  in 
Virginia,  he  was  graduated  at  17  at  William  and  Mary  Col 
lege,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  two  years  afterwards,  and  soon 
became  distinguished  in  his  profession.  Tyler  was  not  long 
in  attaining  political  prominence.  After  serving  successively 
in  the  legislature  and  in  Congress,  he  was  in  1825  elected 
governor  of  Virginia.  Called  to  the  U.  S.  senate,  he  ran  an 
honorable  career  hi  that  body,  consistently  carrying  out  state 
rights  principles  and  generally  voting  with  the  democratic 
party.  Differing  from  Jackson  on  some  points,  and  an  ar 
dent  friend  of  Clay,  though  known  to  be  opposed  to  the  U.  S. 
Bank,  he  was  placed  on  the  same  ticket  with  Gen.  Harrison. 

551.  Harrison  appointed  Daniel  Webster,  of  Massachu 
setts,  secretary  of  state,  and  soon  after  his  inauguration 
called  an  extra  session  of  Congress,  to  consider  "  sundry  im 
portant  matters  connected  with  the  finances  of  the  country". 
When  Congress  met,  the  president  was  no  more.  He  died 
on  the  4th  of  April,  1841,  from  disease  brought  on  by  fatigue 
and  exposure.  Tyler  thus  became  president,  and  on  the  6th 
of  April  he  took  the  oath  of  office. 

Congress,  at  its  extra  session,  occupied  itself  chiefly  with 
the  financial  interests  of  the  country.  The  Sub-treasury  Act 
was  repealed,  and  a  Bankrupt  Law  was  passed,  which  freed 

countrymen  ?  Who  was  the  new  vice-president  ?  Where  was  John  Tyler  born  ?  Give 
tin  account  of  his  early  life.  What  course  did  he  pursue  in  the  senate  ?  How  did  he 
some  to  be  nominated  by  the  whlgs?  561.  Whom  did  Harrison  make  secretary  of 
state  ?  What  did  the  president  do  soon  after  his  inauguration  ?  Before  Congress  met, 
what  melancholy  event  happened  ?  Who  thus  became  president  ?  What  occupied  the 


415 

those  who  had  failed  from  their  obligations,  and  enabled 
them  to  recommence  business.  The  great  question  before 
Congress,  however,  was  the  establishment  of  a  national  bank. 
A  bill  providing  for  such  an  institution  was  framed  by  Clay 
and  passed  both  houses ;  but,  to  the  indignation  of  the  whigs 
throughout  the  country,  it  was  vetoed  by  the  president.  An 
other  bill,  similar  in  substance  but  modified  in  some  of  its 
details,  was  passed  the  following  September ;  but  this  also 
received  Mr.  Tyler's  veto.  Violent  abuse  was  lavished  on  the 
president  for  thus  defeating  the  favorite  measure  of  the  party 
that  elected  him ;  yet  he  was  merely  carrying  out  the  prin 
ciples  which  he  had  always  held  on  this  subject.  The  cabi 
net  showed  their  disapproval  of  his  course  by  resigning,  Mr. 
Webster  alone  retaining  his  seat  on  account  of  several  im 
portant  public  interests  which  would  have  suffered  from  his 
resignation. 

552.  One  of  these  was  the  settlement  of  a  boundary  line 
on  the  northeast,  between  the  possessions  of  Great  Britain 
and  the  United  States.     "War  was  at  one  time  threatened  ; 
but  the  excitement  that  pervaded  the  country,  particularly 
those  parts  of  Maine  and  New  Brunswick  which  bordered 
on  the  disputed  line,  was  Itid  at  rest  by  a  treaty  made  by 
Lord  Ashburton  and  Daniel  Webster  on  the  part  of  their 
respective  countries,  and  ratified  by  the  senate  August  20th, 
1842. 

553.  The  charter  of  the  U.  S.  Bank  expired  by  limitation 
in  1836.     President  Jackson's  veto,  as  we  have  seen,  pre 
vented  it  from  receiving  a  new  charter  from  the  general 
government ;  but  it  succeeded  in  obtaining  one  from  Penn 
sylvania,  and  continued  its  operations  under  the  management 
of  Nicholas  Biddle.     Its  directors,  however,  abandoning  the 
prudent  policy  which  had  marked  its  former  movements, 

nttention  of  Congress  at  this  extra  session  ?  What  act  was  repealed  ?  What  law  was 
passed  ?  What  was  the  great  question  before  Congress  ?  What  action  was  had  on  the 
subject  of  a  national  bank  ?  How  was  it  defeated  ?  How  were  these  vetoes  received  ? 
How  did  the  cabinet  show  their  disapprobation  ?  Why  did  Webster  retain  his  seat  ? 
652.  What  difficulty  had  arisen  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  ?  How  was 
it  settled  ?  553.  What  had  proved  fatal  to  the  U.  S.  Bank  ?  From  what  state  did  It 
receive  a  new  charter  ?  By  whom  was  it  managed  ?  What  policy  did  it  follow  ?  What 


4:16 

ventured  into  the  same  wild  system  of  speculation  that  was 
ruining  other  institutions,  and,  like  them,  it  was  compelled 
to  suspend  in  1837.  It  resumed  payment,  but  again  specu 
lated  beyond  its  means ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  exertions 
of  its  friends,  it  finally  failed  in  October,  1841,  involving 
many  in  ruin. 

554.  The  summer  of  1842  was  signalized  by  the  return  of 
an  exploring  expedition  which  had  been  sent  out  four  years 
before  by  the  government,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant 
Charles  Wilkes,  of  the  U.  S.  navy.     Accompanied  by  a  large 
corps  of  scientific  men,  and  well  provided  with  every  thing 
that  could  assist  them  in  their  researches,  Lieut.  Wilkes  had 
traversed  the  Pacific,  visited  various  groups  of  islands  be 
fore  but  little  known,  surveyed  different  parts  of  the  western 
coast  of  America,  and  made  many  important  discoveries  in  the 
far  south,  which  was  the  particular  scene  of  his  explorations. 
Among  other  things,  he  discovered  and  coasted  for  a  dis 
tance  of  1700  miles  what  is  known  as  the  Antarctic  Continent. 
The  whole  distance  traversed  was  90,000  miles. 

555.  Rhode  Island  and  New  York  were  each  the  seat  of 
internal   disturbances    during   Tyler's    administration.      In 
Rhode  Island,  the  difficulties  originated  in  attempts  to  change 
the  constitution  granted  by  Charles  II.,  under  which  the  gov 
ernment  had  been  administered  for  nearly  two  hundred  years. 
According  to  this  instrument,  no  citizen  could  vote  unless  he 
had  a  certain  amount  of  property.   This  provision  and  others 
it  was  deemed  best  to  alter ;  but  a  difference  of  opinion  on 
some  of  the  points  involved  gave  rise  to  two  parties,  known 
as  the  "  suffrage"  and  the  "  law  and  order"  party,  each  of 
which  elected  a  governor,  and  prepared  to  support  its  claims 
with  arms.     The  suffrage  party,  whose  proceedings  had  not 
been  in  accordance  with  existing  laws,  elected  Thomas  W. 
Dorr.     He  made  an  attack  on  the  state  arsenal,  May  18th, 
1843,  but  was  soon  compelled  to  flee  before  the  militia,  who 


wtis  it  compelled  to  do?  "What  was  Its  final  fate  ?  554.  What  signalized  the  summer  of 
1S42?  What  was  accomplished  by  Wilkes1  expedition  ?  How  long  a  voyage  did  it 
make?  555.  What  states  were  the  scene  of  disturbances  during  Tyler's  administration  ? 
Give  an  account  of  the  difficulties  in  Rhode  Island.  Whom  did  "the  suffrage  party" 


1843]  ANTI-RENT   DISTURBANCES.  417 

% 

were  called  out  by  his  opponents.  A  second  attempt  of  the 
suffrage  men  was  defeated  by  the  troops  of  the  United 
States.  Dorr  was  apprehended,  convicted  of  treason,  and 
sentenced  to  imprisonment  for  life ;  but  he  was  afterwards 
pardoned.  A  new  constitution,  formed  according  to  pro 
visions  of  the  legislature,  went  into  effect  in  May,  1843. 

The  disturbances  in  New  York  originated  in  Rensselaer 
county.  In  the  early  history  of  this  state,  as  we  have  seen, 
large  tracts  were  granted  to  certain  persons  called  patroons, 
for  their  services  in  bringing  over  colonists  from  the  old 
world.  Among  these  was  Van  Rensselaer,  whose  successors 
divided  the  land  thus  obtained  into  farms,  and  invited  settlers 
by  leasing  them  out  on  very  favorable  terms.  This  arrange 
ment  had  been  in  force  for  generations;  but  hi  1840,  the 
farms  having  by  tjjis  time  increased  greatly  in  value,  Van 
Rensselaer's  tenants  began  to  murmur,  and  even  refused  to 
pay  their  rent,  which  was  in  most  cases  but  a  few  bushels  of 
wheat,  three  or  four  fat  fowls,  and  a  day's  service  with  wag 
on  and  horses,  each  year.  The  legislature  having  tried  in 
vain  to  settle  the  difficulty,  in  1844,  the  Anti-renters,  as  they 
were  called,  assumed  a  bolder  tone ;  disguised  as  Indians, 
they  tarred  and  feathered  such  of  their  fellow-tenants  as 
paid  their  rent,  and  resisted  and  even  killed  the  officers  sent 
to  serve  warrants  on  them.  Similar  disturbances  broke  out 
in  Columbia  and  Delaware  counties,  where  lands  were  held 
on  a  like  tenure.  In  1846,  Silas  Wright,  governor  of  New 
York,  declared  Delaware  county  in  a  state  of  insurrection, 
and  supported  the  civil  officers  with  a  military  force.  The 
leading  Anti-renters  were  taken,  tried,  condemned,  and  sen 
tenced  to  imprisonment,  some  of  them  for  life.  Peace  was 
thus  restored;  but  in  1847  Governor  Young  pardoned  the 
offenders,  and  the  anti-rent  difficulties  do  not  yet  seem  to  be 
permanently  settled. 

556.  About  this  time,  excitement  ran  high  in  Illinois  in 

elect  governor ?  What  was  done  by  Dorr?  How  were  his  attempts  defeated ?  What 
was  done  to  Dorr?  When  did  a  new  constitution  go  into  effect  ?  What  was  the  cause 
of  the  difficulties  in  New  York  »  Describe  the  proceedings  of  the  Anti-renters  in  1844. 
To  what  counties  did  these  disturbances  spread  ?  In  1846,  what  measures  were  taken 
by  the  governor  for  their  suppression  ?  How  did  the  Artti-renters  finally  escape  pun- 

18* 


4:18 

0 

consequence  of  the  proceedings  of  a  body  of  men  calling 
themselves  Mormons,  or  Latter-Day  Saints.  This  sect  was 
founded  by  Joseph  Smith,  a  native  of  Vermont.  Having 
removed  to  central  New  York,  and  received  an  imperfect 
education,  Smith,  at  the  age  of  15,  asserted  that  he  saw 
visions ;  and,  seven  years  afterwards,  he  declared  that  he 
had  received  a  revelation  from  on  high  in  the  form  of  rec 
ords,  which  had  been  buried  in  the  earth  for  centuries.  They 
were  engraved,  according  to  the  account  of  a  Mormon  wri 
ter,  on  plates  having  the  appearance  of  gold  and  the  thick 
ness  of  tin,  which  were  covered  with  Egyptian  characters, 
and  united  by  means  of  rings.  Smith  pretended  to  under 
stand  and  translate  this  famous  "  Book  of  Mormon",  and 
set  it  forth  as  a  new  gospel  for  men.  It  contains  sundry 
wonderful  stories  about  events  in  America  over  2,000  years 
ago ;  and  it  is  said  to  have  been  written  by  a  man  named 
Spaulding  as  a  romance. 

The  immorality  of  the  Mormon  doctrines,  among  which 
that  of  polygamy,  or  the  allowing  of  a  plurality  of  wives,  was 
prominent,  recommended  them  to  some  ;  and  in  1833  Smith 
found  himself  at  the  head  of  1200  followers.  Jackson  county, 
Missouri,  became  their  head-quarters  ;  but,  as  they  declared 
that  the  whole  western  country  was  destined  for  their  inher 
itance,  and  as  various  thefts  were  committed  in  their  neigh 
borhood,  the  Missourians  naturally  desired  to  get  rid  of  them. 
The  first  opportunity  was  seized  to  call  out  the  militia ;  and 
the  Mormons,  offering  no  resistance,  were  driven  from  the 
state.  They  crossed  to  Illinois,  and  in  the  spring  of  1840, 
founded,  on  a  bluff  overlooking  the  Mississippi,  the  city  of 
Nauvoo  (a  word  which  they  say  signifies  beautiful).  Here 
they  erected  a  magnificent  temple,  and  received  a  large  ad 
dition  of  members,  some  of  whom  were  men  of  property. 

Ishment?  556.  What  occasioned  violent  excitement  in  Illinois?  By  whom  was  the 
Beet  of  Mormons  founded?  What  is  said  of  Smith's  early  history?  How  does  a  Mor 
mon  writer  describe  the  plates  Smith  pretended  to  have  found  ?  What  does  the  "  Book 
of  Mormon"  contain  ?  By  whom  is  it  said  to  have  been  written  ?  What  was  the  char- 
^ter  of  the  Mormon  doctrines  ?  What  one  is  specially  mentioned  ?  How  many  fol 
lowers  had  Smith  in  1833  ?  Where  were  their  head-quarters  ?  Recount  the  circum 
stances  that  led  to  their  expwision  from  Missouri.  Where  did  they  then  go  ?  What  city 


184:4:]  THE   MORMONS   DRIVEN    FROM   ILLINOIS.  419 

At  length  the  Mormons  passed  ordinances  which  set  the 
laws  of  Illinois  at  defiance.  Great  excitement  spread  through 
out  the  state,  and  some  of  the  "Saints"  left  Nauvoo  in  alarm. 
Several  robberies  and  murders  committed  near  their  city 
were  attributed  to  the  followers  of  the  prophet ;  and  popu 
lar  fury  was  increased  by  the  belief  that  the  Mormons  con 
trolled  the  county  courts,  and  could  set  at  defiance  all  at 
tempts  to  bring  them  to  justice.  At  last  Joseph  Smith, 
still  the  leading  spirit  among  the  Mormons,  was  arrested, 
and,  with  his  brother,  lodged  in  jail  at  Carthage.  Here,  on 
the  7th  of  July,  1844,  they  were  killed  by  a  mob,  which 
broke  into  the  prison.  The  Mormons  continued  to  be  the 
objects  of  popular  suspicion  and  odium ;  and  so  violently 
were  these  feelings  displayed  that  the  next  year  they  sold 
their  possessions  in  Illinois,  deserted  their  beautiful  city, 
which  then  contained  10,000  inhabitants,  and  emigrated  to 
the  wilderness  beyond  the  Rocky  Mountains,  where  we  shall 
again  have  occasion  to  notice  them. 

557.  Serious  riots  occurred  in  May  and  June,  1844,  at 
Philadelphia,  growing  out  of  differences  between  a  party 
known  as  Native  Americans  and  the  Irish  inhabitants  of  that 
city.    Fire-arms  were  used,  and  over  a  hundred  persons  were 
killed  or  wounded.    Thirty  dwelling-houses,  a  seminary,  and 
three  churches,  were  burned.     Quiet  was  not  restored  till 
the  governor  had  taken  the  field  with  5,000  men. 

558.  Acts  admitting  Florida  and  Iowa  into  the  Union  were 
passed  March  3,  1845  ;  but  Iowa  did  not  enter  till  1846. 

559.  Towards  the  close  of  this  administration,  the  new 
republic  of  Texas  became  an  object  of  general  attention  and 
interest.     This  extensive  tract,  lying  west  and  southwest  of 
Louisiana,  had  been  early  explored  by  Ponce  de  Leon  and  La 
Salle.     Claimed  by  both  Spanish  and  French,  it  was  held 
and  governed  by  the  former,  who  in  1692  established  a  set 
tlement  at  San  Antonio  de  Bexar  [san  an-to'-ne-o  da-ba'-har\ 

did  they  build  ?  What  happened  next  ?  What  finally  befell  Joseph  Smith  and  his  bro 
ther?  What  became  of  the  Mormons?  557.  Give  an  account  of  the  riots  in  Philadel 
phia  in  1844.  558.  What  new  states  were  admitted  March  3d,  1845  ?  559.  Towards  the 
close  of  Tyler's  term,  to  what  was  public  attention  directed  ?  By  whom  was  Texas  early 
explored  ?  By  whom  was  it  claimed  ?  By  which  of  these  nations  was  it  held  ?  Where 


420 

Colonization,  however,  was  discouraged  by  the  authorities, 
who  desired  to  keep  an  impassable  wilderness  between  them 
selves  and  their  enterprising  neighbors  on  the  north.  For 
eigners  were  forbidden  to  settle  in  Texas  on  pain  of  death ; 
and  so  strong  was  the  aversion  entertained  towards  the  peo 
ple  of  the  United  States  that  a  Spanish  captain-general  de 
clared,  if  he  had  the  power,  he  would  not  even  allow  a  bird 
to  fly  over  the  boundary.  For  years,  therefore,  did  Texas 
remain  uninhabited  except  by  roving  Indians,  a  few  fortified 
inclosures  being  the  only  evidences  of  European  settlement. 
In  1800  but  three  of  these  stations  remained, — San  Antonio, 
Goliad  [go'-le-ad],  and  Nac-og-do'-ches. 

From  the  time  of  its  conquest  by  Cortez,  Mexico  was 
governed  by  Spanish  viceroys,  who  aimed,  not  to  improve 
the  country,  but  simply  to  make  it  profitable  to  the  crown. 
Mining,  therefore,  became  the  chief  branch  of  industry,  to 
the  exclusion  of  agriculture  and  commerce.  The  people, 
shut  out  from  the  rest  of  the  world,  became  imbued  with  a 
servile  spirit ;  and  it  was  not  till  Spain  herself  fell  under  the 
power  of  Napoleon  in  1808  that  they  thought  of  asserting 
their  right  to  self-government.  In  1810,  a  revolutionary 
movement  commenced ;  but,  after  a  struggle  continued  at 
intervals  for  seven  years,  it  was  finally  put  down  by  the 
Spanish  authorities.  A  second  attempt  in  1821,  under  Gen. 
Iturbide  \e-toor '-be-da]  was  more  successful,  and  Mexican  in 
dependence  was  established  on  a  firm  basis.  Iturbide,  how 
ever,  having  proclaimed  himself  emperor,  offended  the  people, 
who  had  shed  their  blood  to  secure  a  free  government.  He 
was  deposed  and  banished,  but  returned  to  his  country  and 
was  executed.  Santa  Anna,  a  man  of  superior  abilities,  next 
appeared  at  the  head  of  affairs,  and  under  his  auspices  was 


was  a  settlement  made  In  1692  ?  How  did  tho  authorities  look  upon  the  people  of  tho 
United  States?  How  did  they  try  to  prevent  them  from  entering  the  country  ?  What 
did  a  Spanish  captain-general  say?  What  was  the  consequence  of  this  exclusive  poli 
cy?  In  1800,  what  stations  remained  in  Texas?  Describe  the  condition  of  Mexico 
from  the  time  of  its  conquest.  When  did  the  people  first  think  of  asserting  their  inde 
pendence?  Give  an  account  of  the  first  revolutionary  movement.  When  and  by  whom 
was  a  second  attempt  made  ?  What  was  the  result  ?  What  afterwards  became  of  Itur 
bide  ?  Who  next  appeared  at  the  head  of  affairs  ?  ^What  kind  of  a  government  was 


1835]  THE   TEXAN    REVOLUTION.  421 

formed  a  federal  government,  somewhat  resembling  that  of 
the  United  States, 

560.  Meanwhile  Spain  had  changed  her  policy  with  re 
spect  to  the  colonization  of  Texas,  and  granted  Moses  Aus 
tin,  a  native  of  Connecticut,  a  large  tract  in  tliat  province, 
on  condition  that  he  would  settle  it  with  three  hundred  fam 
ilies.  This  grant,  confirmed  by  the  new  government  of 
Mexico,  was  transferred  by  Moses  Austin,  at  his  death,  to 
his  son  Stephen.  The  three  hundred  families  having  been 
introduced  from  the  United  States  according  to  agreement, 
Austin  obtained  a  further  grant  for  five  hundred  more. 
Other  emigrants  naturally  followed;  and  in  1830  there  were 
not  far  from  20,000  Americans  in  Texas. 

The  prosperity  of  these  settlers  awakened  the  jealousy  of 
the  Mexicans,  and  an  unjust  and  oppressive  policy  was  pur 
sued  towards  them.  Their  remonstrances  being  disregarded, 
they  declared  their  independence  of  Mexico,  and  made  ready 
to  support  it  by  force  of  arms.  Volunteers  from  America 
hastened  to  their  aid.  In  1835,  the  revolution  began  with 
the  battle  of  Gonzales  [gon-zati -las],  in  which  1,000  Mexi 
cans  were  defeated  by  500  Texans.  Goliad,  and  the  strong 
citadel  of  Bexar,  known  as  the  Alamo  \ah-lati -mo\,  were 
soon  after  taken,  and  the  whole  Mexican  army  was  dispersed. 
On  the  6th  of  March,  1836,  however,  Santa  Anna,  having 
raised  a  new  force  of  8,000  men,  attacked  the  Alamo,  which 
had  been  left  in  charge  of  a  small  but  gallant  garrison.  All 
night  they  fought,  but  superior  numbers  triumphed.  Every 
man  fell  at  his  post  but  seven,  and  these  were  killed  while 
asking  quarter.  Here  died  David  Crocket,  the  famous  hunt 
er.  Crocket  had  enjoyed  but  two  months'  instruction  at  a 
country  school ;  but  his  strong  common  sense  and  indomi 
table  courage  made  him  very  popular  among  the  people  of 
Tennessee,  who  three  times  elected  him  to  Congress.  In 
1834  he  went  to  Texas,  to  strike  a  blow  for  freedom.  The 

formed  under  Santa  Anna's  auspices  ?  560.  Give  an  account  of  the  settlements  made 
by  Austin  in  Texas.  In  1880,  how  many  Americans  were  there  in  Mexico  ?  How  were 
these  American  settlers  treated?  What  was  the  consequence?  By  whom  were  the 
Texans  aided  ?  When  did  the  revolution  begin  ?  With  what  battle  ?  What  victories 
were  gained  by  the  Texans  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  capture  of  the  Alamo  rjid  the  fal) 


422 


TYLER'S    ADMINISTRATION. 


[1844 

Alamo  proved  his  last  battle-field.  He  expired,  covered  with 
wounds,  surrounded  by  a  circle  of  Mexicans  who  had  fallen 
by  his  sword. 


FALL  OF  CKOCKET  IN  THE  ALAMO. 


561.  On  the  21st  of  April  was  fought  the  decisive  battle 
of  San  Ja-cin'-to,  in  which  Santa  Anna,  with  1,500  men,  was 
defeated  by  800  Texans  under  Gen.  Samuel  Houston  \hew'- 
stun]  (since  a  member  of  the  U.  S.  senate).  The  Mexican 
leader,  taken  the  next  day  in  the  woods,  was  compelled  to 
acknowledge  the  independence  of  Texas,  but  the  legislature 
refused  to  ratify  his  act.  Hostilities,  however,  were  virtu 
ally  abandoned  by  Mexico ;  and  the  independence  of  the  new 
republic  was  soon  acknowledged  by  the  United  States,  by 
France,  Great  Britain,  and  other  European  powers.  In  1837, 
Texas  asked  to  be  admitted  into  the  Union  ;  but  the  propo 
sal  was  declined  by  Van  Buren  through  fear  of  a  war  with 
Mexico.  In  the  spring  of  1844,  the  American  population  of 
Texas  having  increased  to  over  200,000,  the  question  was  re- 

of  Crocket  [See  Map,  p.  426.— How  is  San  Antonio  situated  ?]  561.  What  took  place 
April  21st,  1886?  By  what  powers  was  the  independence  of  Texas  acknowledged? 
What  proposal  was  made  by  Texas  in  1837  ?  How  was.  it  received  ?  When  was 


MAGNETIC   TELEGRAPH.  423 

vivcd ;  and  it  was  proposed  to  test  the  feelings  of  the  people 
of  the  United  States  on  the  subject  at  the  next  presidential 
election.  The  whigs,  who  were  opposed  to  the  admission  of 
Texas,  nominated  Henry  Clay ;  the  democrats,  who  were  in 
favor  of  its  admission,  supported  James  Knox  Polk,  of  Ten 
nessee.  Mr.  Polk  was  elected,  and  with  him  George  M. 
Dallas,  of  Pennsylvania,  as  vice-president. 

562.  The  news  of  Mr.  Folk's  nomination  and  other  pro 
ceedings  of  the  democratic  convention  were  transmitted  from 
Baltimore  to  Washington,  May  29,  1844,  by  the  Magnetic 
Telegraph,  being  the  first  dispatches  ever  so  communicated. 
The  principle  involved  in  the  Telegraph  was  known  as  early 
as  1774,  but  Samuel  F.  B.  Morse,  a  native  of  Massachusetts, 
was  the  first  to  apply  it  practically.  He  received  a  patent 
for  his  invention  in  1837,  and  after  long  and  discouraging 
delay  obtained  from  Congress  an  appropriation  of  $30,000 
for  the  purpose  of  testing  its  utility.  The  first  telegraphic 
line  in  the  world  was  thus  established  between  Baltimore 
and  Washington ;  and  the  importance  of  the  invention,  as 
one  of  the  greatest  triumphs  yet  achieved  by  human  inge 
nuity,  was  demonstrated  to  the  world.  Telegraph  wires  soon 
threaded  the  country,  and  there  are  now  in  the  United  States 
and  Canada  over  40,000  miles  in  operation. 


CHAPTER   XIII. 

FOLK'S   ADMINISTRATION,  1845-1849. 

563.  JAMES  K.  POLK,  inaugurated  on  the  4th  of  March, 
1845,  was  born  in  1795,  in  North  Carolina.  During  his 
childhood,  his  father  removed  to  Tennessee ;  and  in  the  le- 

the  question  revived  ?  How  was  it  submitted  to  the  people  ?  Who  were  nominated 
for  the  presidency  ?  Who  were  elected  president  and  vice-president  ?  562.  How  was 
the  news  of  Folk's  nomination  transmitted  to  Washington  ?  How  early  was  the  prin 
ciple  involved  in  the  telegraph  known?  Who  was  the  first  to  apply  it  practically  ? 
When  did  Morse  receive  his  patent  ?  How  was  he  enabled  to  test  his  invention  ? 
What  was  the  result?  How  many  miles  of  telegraph  are  now  in  operation  in  the  Uni 
ted  States  and  Canada  ? 
5C3.  When  was  James  K.  Polk  inaugurated  ?  Where  and  when  was  he  born  ?  What 


4:24  FOLK'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [18*5 

gislature  of  that  state  he  commenced  his  public  career.  Af 
ter  serving  fourteen  years  in  Congress,  he  was  in  1839  elected 
governor  of  Tennessee.  From  that  post  he  retired  to  private 
life,  whence  he  was  called  by  the  voice  of  the  nation  to  be 
come  its  chief.  He  had  been  seated  in  the  presidential  chaii 
but  about  three  months,  when  his  esteemed  friend  and  coun 
sellor,  Gen.  Jackson,  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  78,  respect 
ed  and  lamented  even  by  his  political  opponents.  Mr.  Polk 
made  James  Buchanan,  of  Pennsylvania,  his  secretary  of  state. 
564.  The  success  of  the  democratic  party  having  shown 
that  a  majority  of  the  people  were  in  favor  of  annexing 
Texas,  Congress  had  passed  a  bill  providing  for  that  measure 
a  few  days  before  the  close  of  Tyler's  term.  On  the  4th  of 
July,  1845,  the  Texas  legislature  having  approved  of  the  bill, 
the  union  was  consummated.  Shortly  afterwards,  at  the 
request  of  this  same  body,  a  small  force  of  U.  S.  troops 
was  dispatched  to  the  frontier,  under  Gen.  Zachary  Taylor, 
who  had  won  distinction  in  the  Seminole  War.  The  boun 
dary  between  Texas  and  Mexico  was  still  unsettled ;  the  for 
mer  looked  upon  the  Rio  Grande  \re'-o  grahn'-da\,  the  latter 
on  the  Nueces  \nwa'-sas\,  as  the  separating  line  [see  Map,  p. 
426],  the  region  between  these  two  rivers  being  claimed  by 
both.  To  prevent  difficulties,  the  U.  S.  government  proposed 
to  fix  on  a  line  by  negotiation,  but  Mexico  scornfully  refused 
all  overtures.  The  annexation  of  Texas  was  the  signal  for 
her  minister  to  leave  Washington  with  threats  of  war.  Pa- 
redes  \pah-ra' -das],  a  well-known  enemy  of  the  United  States, 
was  elected  president.  The  hostility  of  the  Mexicans,  which 
had  been  displayed  for  years  in  petty  insults  and  injuries  to 
American  citizens,  was  now  openly  and  fiercely  avowed. 
Strong  forces  were  said  to  be  gathering  for  the  invasion  of 
Texas.  Under  these  circumstances,  the  U.  S.  government 
felt  justified  in  assuming  that  the  boundary  claimed  by  Texas 
was  correct ;  and  Taylor  was  instructed  to  take  a  position  as 

is  told  of  his  previous  history  ?  Who  died  three  months  after  his  inauguration  ?  Whom 
did  Polk  make  secretary  of  state  ?  564.  Relate  the  circumstances  under  which  Texas  was 
admitted.  What  precautionary  measure  was  taken  by  the  United  States  ?  What  con 
flicting  claims  were  put  forth  by  Texas  and  Mexico  respecting  their  boundary?  What 
proposal  was  made  by  the  United  States?  How  was  it  received  ?  Givo  an  account  ot 


1846]  THE    OREGON    BOUND  ART    SETTLED.  42£ 

near  the  Rio  Grande  as  prudence  would  allow.  According, 
ly,  he  encamped  at  Corpus  Christ!  \Jcor' -poos  kre'-ste],  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Nueces,  and  there  remained  till  the  following 
spring 

565.  While  these  difficulties  were  pending,  a  rupture  with 
Great  Britain  was  seriously  threatened.     A  boundary  line 
between  the  U.  S.  and  the  British  Possessions  on  the  north 
west  never  having  been  settled,  both  laid  claim  to  an  exten 
sive  region  between  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  the  Pacific, 
known  as  Oregon,  which  was  now  becoming  gradually  set- 
fled.      The  democratic  party  were  for   accepting   nothing 
short  of  parallel  54°  40'  as  the  northern  boundary  of  the  U. 
S.  west  of  the  mountains;  but  in  June,  1846,  a  treaty  nego 
tiated  in  Washington  established  parallel  49°  and  the  Strait 
of  San  Juan  de  Fuca  [san  whahn  ddfoo'-caJi\  as  the  separa 
ting  line.     The  white  population  of  this  region  was  then 
about  4,000.    Oregon  was  organized  into  a  territory  in  1848. 
In  1853,  it  was  divided,  and  the  northern  part  was  formed 
into  a  new  territory  named  Washington. 

566.  Mexico  still  refusing  the  overtures  of  the  United 
States  for  a  peaceable  settlement,  Gen.  Taylor,  early  in  1846, 
was  ordered  to  advance  to  the  Rio  Grande  and  occupy  the 
disputed  territory.    This  he  proceeded  to  do,  in  spite  of  the 
protest  of  the  Mexican  authorities.     Near  the  end  of  March, 
he  reached  the  river,  and  commenced  the  erection  of  a  fort 
on  its  eastern  side.     About  the  middle  of  April,  Gen.  Am- 
pudia   \ahm-poo '-de-a]   arrived   at    Mat-a-mo'-ras,   opposite 
Taylor's  position,  and  informed  the  American  commander, 
that,  unless  he  retired  beyond  the  Nueces,  Mexico  would 
accept  the  war  thus  forced  upon  her.  -Taylor,  of  course, 
did  not  retire,  and  skirmishes  with  the  enemy  immediately 
followed. 

567.  Gen.  Taylor  had  established  a  depot  of  provisions  at 
Point  Isabel,  21  miles  distant,  on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  which 

the  proceedings  of  the  Mexicans.  What  instructions  did  the  government  issue  to  Gen. 
Taylor  ?  Where  did  he  encamp  ?  565.  What  difficulty  now  arose  with  England  ?  How 
was  it  settled  ?  What  was  then  the  white  population  of  Oregon  ?  What  is  said  of  ita 
subsequent  history?  566.  What  orders  did  Gen.  Taylor  receive  early  in  1S46?  Give 
en  account  of  his  movements.  What  passed  between  Taylor  and  Ampudia  ?  567.  Where 


426 


FOLK'S   ADMINISTRATION. 


[1840 


he  had  garrisoned  with 
450  men.  Perceiving 
that  the  enemy  were 
rapidly  closing  round 
him,  and  fearing  for 
this  detachment,  he 
set  out  on  the  1st  of 
May  for  the  Point, 
leaving  300  men  un 
der  Major  Brown  to 
defend  the  fort  he  had 
erected  ( afterwards 
called  Fort  Brown). 
Point  Isabel  was 
reached  in  safety ; 
and,  having  assured 
himself  that  it  was 
amply  provided  with 
means  of  defence,  Tay 
lor  prepared  to  return 
to  Fort  Brown,  with 
a  provision-train  and 
an  army  of  2,288  men. 
Arriving  at  Palo  Alto 
[pati-lo  ahl'-to]  [May 
8th,  1846],  he  found  a 
Mexican  army  6,000 
strong  drawn  up  di 
rectly  in  his  road. 

The  engagement,  *  commenced  with  artillery,  lasted  five 
hours,  and  resulted  in  the  complete  discomfiture  of  the  ene 
my  with  a  loss  of  about  400  men ;  while  that  of  the  Ameri 
cans  was  but  9  killed  and  44  wounded. 

Among  the  brave  men  who  fell  at  Palo  Alto  was  Major 

bad  Gen.  Taylor  established  a  depot  of  provisions?  How  was  Point  Isabel  situated? 
What  did  Taylor  apprehend,  and  what  movement  did  he  consequently  execute?  Witli 
how  large  an  army  did  he  attempt  to  return  from  Point  Isabel  to  Fort  Brown  ?  [See 
Map.— In  what  direction  did  he  march  ?]  What  befell  him  on  the  way  ?  Give  an  ac 
count  of  the  battle  of  Palo  Alto.  Kelate  the  circumstances  of  Major  Einggold's  fall 


EASTERN  COAST  OF  MEXICO. 


1846]  BATTLE   OF   RESAOA    DE   LA    PALMA.  427 

Ringgold,  of  the  artillery,  whose  efficient  battery,  thinning 
the  ranks  of  the  enemy  at  every  discharge,  helped  not  a  little 
to  gain  the  day.  Directing  the  movements  of  his  guns  on 
horseback,  this  brave  officer  was  struck  by  a  shell,  which  tore 
the  flesh  from  his  limbs.  "Leave  me  alone,"  said  he  to  the 
brother  officers  who  gathered  round  him  as  he  fell ;  "  you 
are  wanted  forward."  The  shades  of  night  put  an  end  to 
the  battle,  and  the  Americans  remained  masters  of  the  field. 
*  Resuming  their  march  the  following  day,  the  American 
army  at  three  in  the  afternoon  found  the  Mexicans  in  full 
force  at  Resaca  de  la  Palma  \ra-sah' -ka  da  lah  pahl'-ma/i], 
a  ravine  supposed  to  have  been  formerly  the  bed  of  a  river, 
about  three  miles  from  Fort  Brown.  Again  the  action  was 
commenced  by  artillery ;  and  the  Mexican  guns,  well  aimed 
and  rapidly  discharged,  for  a  time  held  the  Americans  in 
check.  It  was  necessary  to  silence  them,  and  the  desperate 
task  was  intrusted  to  Capt.  May  and  his  bold  dragoons. 
Right  upon  the  batteries,  still  thundering  forth  death,  rode 
the  fearless  band.  Half  of  them  fell,  but  the  guns  were  cap 
tured,  and  with  them  Gen.  La  Vega  [lah  va'-gati\,  in  the  act 
of  applying  a  lighted  match.  The  Mexicans  were  a  second 
time  defeated,  and  so  hopelessly  that  they  halted  not  till  they 
had  placed  the  Rio  Grande  between  them  and  their  victors. 
The  American  loss  was  122  in  killed  and  wounded.  Of  the 
Mexicans,  200  were  found  dead  on  the  field,  their  total  loss 
being  not  far  from  1,000  men.  The  next  day  the  American 
army  reached  Fort  Brown.  During  their  absence,  it  had 
sustained  an  almost  incessant  bombardment  from  the  enemy. 
The  garrison  with  much  labor  and  suffering  had  made  good 
their  defence,  though  their  commander,  a  much  valued  offi 
cer,  was  mortally  wounded  by  a  shell. 

No  sooner  had  the  news  that  hostilities  with  Mexico 
had  actually  commenced  reached  the  United  States,  than  it 
set  the  whole  country  in  a  blaze.  Congress  declared  [May 
llth,  1846]  that  war  existed  by  the  act  of  Mexico.  Ten 

What  battle  followed  the  next  day?  What  was  Eesaca  de  la  Palma  ?  Give  an  account 
of  the  engagement  What  was  the  loss  on  each  side?  What  had  taken  place  at 
Fort  Brown  during  Taylor's  absence?  How  was  the  news  of  the  commencement  of 
hostilities  in  Mexico  received  in  the  U.  8.?  What  measures  were  taken  by  Congress? 


4:28 

millions  of  dollars  were  immediately  appropriated  for  its 
prosecution,  and  the  president  was  authorized  to  accept  the 
services  of  50,000  volunteers.  Public  meetings  were  held  in 
all  parts  of  the  country,  and  within  a  few  weeks  200,000  men 
volunteered  for  the  war.  A  magnificent  plan  of  invasion 
was  devised  by  government,  with  the  aid  of  Gen.  Scott. 
The  Pacific  coast  of  Mexico  was  to  be  attacked  by  a  power 
ful  fleet,  aided  by  a  land  force,  to  be  designated  "  the  Army 
of  the  West",  which  was  to  make  its  way  across  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  reducing  in  succession  the  northern  provinces  of 
the  enemy.  Another  body,  called  "the  Army  of  the  Centre", 
was  to  march  into  the  heart  of  Mexico  and  cooperate  with 
Gen.  Taylor's  force,  which  was  known  as  "the  Army  of 
Occupation".  Gen.  Wool,  one  of  the  heroes  of  Queenstown, 
was  intrusted  with  the  duty  of  mustering  the  volunteers. 
Before  the  close  of  July,  he  inspected  and  received  into  the 
service  12,000  men,  9,000  of  whom  were  dispatched  to  the 
aid  of  Gen.  Taylor,  while  the  rest  were  sent  to  San  Antonio, 
in  Texas,  to  be  disciplined  and  prepared  for  the  field  by  Gen. 
Wool  himself. 

568.  On  the  18th  of  May,  Gen.  Taylor  crossed  the  Rio 
Grande  and  took  possession  of  Matamoras,  which  was  aban 
doned  by  the  enemy's  troops.  Moving  along  the  south  side 
of  the  river,  he  captured  several  other  towns  with  little  or 
no  opposition ;  but  it  was  not  till  the  end  of  August  that  he 
found  himself  strong  enough  to  advance  against  Monterey 
[mon-ta-ra'~\,  whose  massive  fortifications  were  defended  by 
42  pieces  of  artillery.  This  city  was  prepared  for  either 
storm  or  siege.  The  houses  were  fortified,  the  streets  barri 
caded;  and  10,000  Mexicans,  most  of  them  regulars,  had 
assembled  for  its  defence.  On  the  19th  of  September,  1846, 
Gen.  Taylor  with  a  little  over  6,000  Americans  encamped 
within  three  miles  of  Monterey. 

Bow  many  men  volunteered  for  the  war  within  a  few  weeks?  Give  the  plan  of  the 
campaign  sketched  out  by  government  What  duty  was  assigned  to  Gen.  Wool,  and 
how  did  he  discharge  it  ?  568.  What  did  Gen.  Taylor  do  on  the  18th  of  May  ?  Give  an 
account  of  his  next  movements.  Near  the  end  of  August,  against  what  place  did  he 
advance?  [See  Map,  p.  426.— How  is  Monterey  situated?  Through  what  places  did 
Taylor  pass  to  reach  it  ?]  What  preparations  had  been  made  in  Monterey  ?  With  how 


1846J  CAFIURE   OF   MONTEREY.  429 

Embosomed  in  mountains,  Monterey  was  inaccessible,  ex 
cept  from  the  northeast,  in  which  direction  Taylor  was  ap 
proaching,  and  from  the  west  by  a  road  through  a  rocky 
gorge,  connecting  it  with  Saltillo  [sahl-teel'-yo\.  That  he 
might  cut  off  the  supplies  of  the  city  and  attack  it  on  both 
sides  at  once,  Taylor  dispatched  Gen.  Worth  with  650  men 
to  gain  the  Saltillo  road  in  the  rear  of  the  city.  With  great 
difficulty  and  not  without  loss  this  was  effected,  by  opening 
a  new  road  over  the  mountains.  Two  batteries  were  gal 
lantly  carried ;  the  Bishop's  Palace,  an  unfinished  but 
strongly  fortified  stone  building,  was  next  taken ;  and  thus, 
after  two  days  of  suffering,  Worth's  command,  considerably 
reduced  in  number,  reached  the  walls  of  the  city. 

Meanwhile  the  Americans  on  the  other  side  were  not  idle. 
Under  Generals  Quitman,  Butler,  and  Taylor  himself,  they 
fought  their  way  past  one  obstacle  after  another  till  they  ef 
fected  a  lodgment  in  the  city.  The  grand  assault  was  made 
September  23rd.  A  deadly  fire  was  poured  on  the  assail 
ants  from  the  houses  and  barricades  which  commanded  the 
streets;  but,  moving  on  unflinchingly  through  it,  they  at 
length  planted  their  victorious  flag  in  the  Plaza,  or  public 
square.  Here  entering  the  buildings  on  both  sides  of  the 
streets,  they  forced  their  way  through  the  walls  from  one  to 
another  by  means  of  crowbars,  and  ascending  to  the  roofa 
met  the  enemy  hand  to  hand.  Success  crowned  their  exer 
tions,  though  many  fell.  On  the  morning  of  the  24th,  the 
city  capitulated.  The  Mexicans  were  allowed  to  march  out 
with  the  honors  of  war ;  and  Gen.  Taylor,  being  short  of 
provisions  and  assured  that  the  Mexican  government  was 
about  making  proposals  for  peace,  agreed  to  an  armistice  for 
eight  weeks. 

569.  Meantime  Santa  Anna,  who  at  the  commencement 
of  the  war  was  living  as  an  exile  at  Havana,  had  returned  to 
Mexico,  President  Polk,  who  believed  that  he  would  favor 


many  men  did  Taylor  appear  before  it  ?  By  what  two  roads  was  Monterey  accessible  ? 
On  what  plan  of  attack  did  Taylor  determine  ?  Give  an  account  of  Worth's  movements. 
Give  an  account  of  the  movements  of  the  Americans  on  the  other  side.  What  was  the 
result?  To  what  did  Gen.  Taylor  agree?  569.  Relate  the  circumstances  under  which 


430 

the  reestablishment  of  peace,  having  directed  the  American 
commodore  in  the  Gulf  to  let  him  pass  without  molestation. 
On  the  arrival  of  this  distinguished  general,  the  spirits  of  the 
Mexicans  revived.  They  deposed  Paredes  and  elected  Santa 
Anna  president.  Laying  aside  all  thoughts  of  peace  if  he 
had  ever  entertained  any,  Santa  Anna  immediately  set  about 
raising  a  powerful  army,  and  by  December  he  had  20,000 
men  concentrated  at  San  Louis  Potosi  [po-to'-se]. 

5VO.  Gen.  Wool,  having  drilled  his  men  into  an  effective 
army,  set  out  from  San  Antonio  on  the  20th  of  September. 
After  traversing  a  desert  for  miles  without  finding  water  or 
any  trace  of  man,  making  their  road  as  they  advanced  and 
suffering  incredibly,  this  little  force,  on  the  last  day  of  Octo 
ber,  reached  Mon-clo'-va,  TO  miles  from  Monterey.  Here 
they  were  informed  of  the  capture  of  the  latter  city ;  and 
Wool,  by  Taylor's  advice  abandoning  the  idea  of  a  separate 
invasion,  advanced  to  a  point  from  which  he  could  keep  the 
army  at  Monterey  supplied  with  provisions.  These  were 
cheerfully  furnished  by  the  inhabitants,  who  found  them 
selves  safer  under  American  rule  than  they  had  been  under 
their  own  government.  Gen.  Wool  kept  his  men  under  rigid 
discipline,  and  studiously  protected  the  persons  and  property 
of  the  Mexicans  from  injury. 

571.  The  armistice  having  terminated,  Gen.  Worth  was 
sent  to  take  possession  of  Saltillo ;  and  Taylor,  leaving  Gen. 
Butler  as  governor  of  Monterey,  advanced  to  Victoria,  with 
the  intention  of  attacking  Tampico  \tam-pe -co\.  At  Victoria 
he  learned  that  Tampico  had  been  already  taken,  and  that 
he  was  superseded  in  the  chief  command  by  Gen.  Scott,  who 
had  arrived  at  the  seat  of  war.  Though  chagrined  at  the 
latter  intelligence,  yet  when  ordered  to  send  the  flower  ot 
his  army  to  Scott,  to  fall  back  on  Monterey,  and  act  only  on 
the  defensive,  Taylor  promptly  obeyed.  Generals  Worth 
and  Quitman,  and  a  large  part  of  Wool's  army,  which  had 

Santa  Anna  returned  to  Mexico.  What  course  did  he  pursue  after  his  return  ?  570. 
Give  an  account  of  Gen.  Wool's  movements.  At  Monclova,  of  what  was  he  informed  ? 
Whither  did  he  next  proceed  ?  How  were  the  Mexicans  treated  ?  571.  What  were 
Taylor's  movements  on  the  expiration  of  the  armistice  ?  [See  Map,  p.  426. — How  is  Sal 
tillo  situated  ?  Victoria?  Tampico?]  What  did  Gen.  Taylor  learn  at  Victoria?  Wh.it 


1847]  BATTLE   OF   BUENA    VISTA.  43 J 

effected  a  junction  with  Worth's  near  Saltillo,  were  also  or 
dered  to  join  the  commander-in-chief.  Taylor  and  Wool 
were  thus  left  with  a  very  small  force  to  face  an  overwhelm 
ing  army  with  wThich  Santa  Anna  was  advancing  to  crush 
them.  Reinforcements,  however,  arriving  during  the  month 
of  February,  swelled  the  American  army  to  6,000  men.  Gar 
risoning  Monterey  and  Saltillo,  Taylor  boldly  advanced  with 
about  4,700  men,  to  meet  four  times  that  number  of  Mexicans 
now  on  their  march  from  San  Louis  Potosi.  Selecting  a  favor 
able  position  at  Buena  Vista  \bwaf-nali  vees'-ta/i],  wrhere  the 
road  passed  through  a  narrow  defile,  the  American  general 
awaited  the  enemy.  They  were  not  long  in  arriving.  On 
the  22nd  of  February,  Santa  Anna  sent  word  to  Gen.  Taylor 
that  he  was  surrounded  by  20,000  men,  and  summoned  him 
to  surrender.  Taylor  declined  the  invitation,  and  made 
ready  for  an  encounter  wrhich  he  felt  would  be  the  most  try 
ing  in  which  he  had  yet  engaged. 

At  sunrise  on  the  23rd,  the  Mexicans  commenced  the 
battle  of  Buena  Vista  by  trying  to  outflank  the  Americans 
with  a  body  of  light  troops  which  had  pushed  forward  along 
the  heights  during  the  night ;  but  the  rifles  of  Illinois  drove 
them  back.  At  8  o'clock,  a  tremendous  charge  was  made 
on  the  American  ceritre ;  but  before  its  solid  front  and  the 
deadly  aim  of  Capt.  Washington's  artillery  the  enemy  re 
coiled  in  disorder.  Their  next  attempt  was  on  the  left  flank 
of  the  Americans,  where  an  exposed  position  was  held  by  an 
Indiana  regiment.  Here  the  enemy  obtained  a  temporary 
advantage;  and,  rushing  hi  overwhelming  numbers  along 
the  mountain,  they  prepared  to  form  in  the  rear  of  the 
Americans.  At  this  critical  moment,  when  the  hearts  of  the 
bravest  trembled  for  the  result,  Gen  Taylor  arrived  at  the 
threatened  point,  and  ordered  a  Mississippi  and  a  Kentucky 
regiment  to  keep  the  enemy  in  check.  On  their  success  de 
pended  the  issue  of  the  battle ;  and  well  did  they  deserve 

orders  did  he  receive?  Who  were  directed  to  join  the  commander-in-chief?  In  what 
condition  were  Taylor  and  Wool  thus  for  a  time  left?  To  what  number  was  their  army 
reinforced  in  February  ?  What  was  now  done  by  Taylor  ?  [See  Map,  p.  426.— Between 
what  two  places  is  Buena  Vista  situated  ?]  What  message  did  Taylor  receive  Feb.  22nd  ? 
What  answer  did  he  make  ?  How  was  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista  commenced  ?  At 


432 


FOLK'S    ADMINISTRATION. 


[184:7 


the  post  of  hon 
or.  Closing  their 
ranks  as  their 
brave  men  fell 
before  a  galling 
fire,  and  seasona 
bly  supported  by 
an  Illinois  and  an 
Indiana  regiment, 
they  effectually 
prevented  this  de 
tachment  of  the 
enemy  from  fol 
lowing  up  the  ad 
vantage  they  had 
gained.  A  des 
perate  charge  on 
the  rear  of  the 
Mexicans  from 
body  of  American 
cavalry  placed  them  in  great  danger  of  being  completely  cut 
off, — a  fate  which  they  escaped  only  by  a  timely  retreat. 

Sherman's  and  Bragg's  artillery  di'd  fearful  execution 
throughout  the  engagement.  In  the  last  desperate  encoun 
ter,  Bragg's  battery,  as  soon  as  it  came  into  play,  caused 
the  enemy  to  waver.  Its  effect  was  not  lost  on  Gen.  Taylor, 
who,  though  exposed  all  day  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  had 
escaped  with  only  a  bullet  through  his  coat.  "  Give  them  a 
little  more  grape,  Captain  Bragg,"  exclaimed  the  veteran. 
The  order  was  promptly  obeyed.  The  enemy  were  repulsed ; 
and  another  victory  against  tremendous  odds  reflected  glory 
on  the  American  arms.  Taylor's  loss  in  killed,  wounded, 
and  missing,  was  746  ;  that  of  the  enemy  was  nearly  2,000. 
The  Americans  rested  on  their  arms  that  night,  expecting  to 

8  o'clock,  what  took  place  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  attack  on  the  left  flank  of  the 
Americans.  [See  Map.— On  what  road  is  Buena  Vista  ?  What  American  leaders  com 
manded  on  the  east  of  Buena  Vista?]  What  is  said  of  Sherman's  and  Bragg's  artillery? 
What  passed  between  Gen.  Taylor  and  Captain  Bragg?  What  was  the  result  of  the 
battle  of  Buena  Vista  ?  What  waa  the  loss  on  each  side  ?  What  did  the  Americana 


PLAN    OF  THE   BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VI8TA. 


1847J 


INVESTMENT    OF    VERA    CRUZ. 


433 


renew  the  battle  in  the  morning;  but  dawn  revealed  the 
fact  that  Santa  Anna  had  retreated,  leaving  his  dead  and 
wounded  behind  him.  After  this  brilliant  victory,  Taylor 
again  encamped  at  Walnut  Springs.  He  soon  after  returned 
to  4he  United  States,  where  he  was  received  with  well- 
deserved  honors. 

572.  Gen  Scott  commenced  his  campaign  by  an  attack  ou 
Vera  Cruz,  which  he  invested  with  about  1 2,000  men  on  the 
12th  of  March.  This  city,  the  emporium  of  Mexican  com 
merce,  was  defended  by  the  formidable  castle  of  San  Juan 
de  Ulloa  \san  whahn  da  ool-lo' -all],  the  strongest  fortress  in 
America,  Quebec  alone  excepted.  It  had  been  erected  by 
the  Spaniards  250  years  before,  at  an  expense  of  $4,000,000. 
Inaccessible  by  land,  as  it  stood  a  short  distance  from  the 
shore,  surrounded  by  the  waters  of  the  Gulf,  it  commanded 


ds 


BOMBARHMENT   OF    VERA    CRUZ. 


expect  ?  What  did  they  find  the  following  day  ?  Where  did  Taylor  encamp  ?  What 
did  he  do  soon  after?  572.  How  did  Gen.  Scott  commence  his  campaign?  [See  Map, 
p.  426. — How  is  Vera  Cruz  situated  ?  In  what  direction  is  it  from  Mexico?]  DtscrHie 


4:34  FOLK'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [is *7 

the  city  and  the  surrounding  plains  with  rows  of  frowning 
cannon.  Scott's  summons  to  surrender  having  been  declined 
by  the  Mexican  commander,  a  tremendous  fire  was  opened 
from  well-planted  land  batteries,  as  well  as  from  an  Ameri 
can  fleet  under  Commodore  Conner.  The  bombardment 
was  continued  with  effect  till  March  26th,  when  the  castle 
and  city  surrendered,  with  5,000  men,  400  pieces  of  artillery, 
and  a  vast  quantity  of  public  stores.  Appointing  Worth 
governor  of  Vera  Cruz,  Gen.  Scott  prepared  to  march  into 
the  interior  of  the  country.  The  American  fleet  proceeded 
to  take  possession  of  several  neighboring  ports  on  the  Gulf. 
No  injury  to  the  person  or  property  of  private  citizens  was 
allowed.  The  harbors  were  opened  to  the  commerce  of  all 
nations,  and  a  tariff  of  duties  on  imports  was  established  for 
the  benefit  of  the  American  government. 

573.  On  the  8th  of  April,  the  advanced  guard  of  the  inva 
ding  army,  under  Gen.  Twiggs,  set  out  from  Vera  Cruz  in 
the  direction  of  the  Mexican  capital ;  the  comrnander-in- 
chief  soon  followed  with  his  main  body.  In  both  divisions 
there  were  about  8,500  men.  For  fifteen  miles  on  the  road 
to  Jalapa  \hah-lali' -pali\,  they  encountered  no  resistance ; 
but  as  they  approached  the  Cordilleras  \cor-deel-y af -ras\,  they 
learned  that  the  rocky  pass  of  Cerro  Gordo  [thar'-ro  gor'-dd] 
had  been  strongly  fortified,  and  was  held  by  Santa  Anna 
with  12,000  men.  To  dislodge  an  enemy  superior  in  num 
bers  from  the  commanding  heights  of  this  mountain-pass, 
required  the  best  efforts  of  courage,  energy,  and  military 
science.  But  one  of  the  great  captains  of  the  age  was  be 
fore  it,  to  whom  no  enterprise  that  promised  glory  and 
profit  to  his  country  seemed  impossible.  Constructing  a  new 
road  over  steep  ascents  and  rocky  chasms,  he  fell  upon  the 
enemy  in  an  unexpected  quarter.  Their  determined  resist 
ance  availed  nothing  before  the  bayonets  of  their  assailants, 
and  soon  the  flag  of  Mexico  gave  place  to  the  stars  and 


Uie  castle  of  San  Juan  de  Ulloa.  Give  an  account  of  the  bombardment  of  Vera  Cruz. 
In  what  did  it  result?  What  were  Scott's  next  movements?  What  was  done  by  the 
American  fleet?  573.  What  took  place  April  8th  ?  With  how  many  men  did  Scott  com 
mence  the  invasion  of  Mexico  ?  Where  did  he  enccunter  the  first  resistance  ?  Describe 


1847J  THE    U.    S.    ARMY   ENTERS   PTJEBLA.  435 

stripes.  The  rout  was  complete.  Santa  Anna,  who  had 
shortly  before  declared  that  he  would  die  fighting  rather  than 
that  the  Americans  should  tread  the  imperial  city  of  the 
Aztecs  (Mexico),  attempted  to  escape  in  his  travelling  car 
riage,  but  finally,  for  the  sake  of  greater  speed,  took  to  a 
mule,  leaving  to  his  pursuers  his  private  papers  and  wooden 
leg.  This  latter  trophy,  dressed  in  a  boot  of  exquisite  work 
manship,  was  afterwards  exhibited  in  the  United  States.  The 
Mexican  loss  at  Cerro  Gordo  was  1,000  men  in  killed  and 
wounded,  3,000  prisoners  (including  five  generals),  and  43 
pieces  of  artillery.  The  total  loss  on  the  part  of  the  Ameri 
cans  was  431. 

574.  The  day  after  the  battle  (April  19th),  the  victorious 
army  entered  Jalapa.    Continuing  their  march  with  all  haste, 
they  took  without  resistance  the  strong  castle  of  Perote  [pd- 
ro'-ta\  on  a  peak  of  the  Cordilleras.     On  the  15th  of  May, 
they  entered  the  ancient  city  of  Puebla  [jwo-d '-blaJi\,  inhabit 
ed  by  80,000  souls.     As  the  triumphant  army  marched  into 
the  city,  the  people  with  eager  curiosity  gazed  upon  them 
from  windows  and  house-tops ;  but  no  showy  uniform,  like 
that  of  their  own  troops,  adorned  the  Americans,  and  they 
turned  away  in  disappointment,  declaring  that  it  must  be 
their  "  gray-headed  leaders"  that  had  gained  their  victories. 
At  Puebla  Gen.  Scott  remained  till  further  attempts  at  ne 
gotiation  were  made  ;  but  the  Mexicans  were  not  yet  satis 
fied  ;  and,  having  received  reinforcements,  he  garrisoned  the 
city,  and  on  the  7th  of  August  resumed  his  march  for  the 
capital  with  upwards  of  10,000  men. 

575.  The  route  of  the  Americans  lay  through  an  elevated 
table-land,  described  as  one  of  the  most  delightful  regions  in 
the  world.     It  led  them  at  length  by  successive  ascents  to 
the  towering  summits  of  the  Cordilleras,  whence,  like  the 

the  position  of  Cerro  Gordo.  Give  an  account  of  the  battle.  What  became  of  Santa 
Anna  ?  What  was  done  with  his  wooden  leg  ?  What  was  the  loss  on  each  side  ?  574 
What  place  was  reached  by  the  American  army  the  day  after  the  battle  of  Cerro  Gordo  ? 
What  castle  did  they  next  take  ?  What  city  did  they  enter  on  the  15th  of  May  ?  [See 
Map,  p.  426.— What  was  the  general  direction  of  Scott's  route  ?  In  what  direction  is 
Jalapa  from  Vera  Cruz?  In  what  direction  is  Puebla  from  Mexico?  How  is  Perote 
situated  ?]  What  is  said  of  the  people  of  Puebla  ?  When  and  with  how  many  men 
did  Scott  resume  his  march  ?  575.  Describe  the  country  through  which  he  passed 


4:36  FOLK'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [is 4 7 

adventurous  army  of  Cortez  three  centuries  before,  they 
looked  down  upon  a  magnificent  landscape  of  mountains  and 
valleys,  lakes  and  cities,  embosoming  in  the  far  distance  the 
proud  city  of  the  Montezumas.  Without  resistance,  they 
continued  their  advance  to  within  fifteen  miles  of  the  capital. 
There,  and  in  strong  advanced  forts,  which  defended  it  on 
all  sides,  the  Mexicans  had  rallied  for  a  final  stand.  The 
city  itself  was  favorably  situated  for  defence,  hi  the  midst  of 
a  marsh  (in  Cortez'  time  a  lake),  connected  with  the  adjacent 
land  by  long  causeways  commanded  by  artillery.  But  Gen. 
Scott  was  now,  as  he  had  proved  himself  at  all  other  times, 
equal  to  the  occasion. 

Leaving  the  Vera  Cruz  road,  Scott  turned  to  the  south  ; 
and,  with  the  aid  of  skilful  engineers,  leading  his  army  over 
rocks  and  chasms  which  the  enemy  had  considered  impassa 
ble,  he  reached  San  Antonio,  on  the  Acapulco  [ah-Jcah-pool'- 
co]  road,  eight  miles  from  Mexico.  Against  this  strong  and 
well-garrisoned  place  Gen.  Worth  was  sent,  while  the  divi 
sions  of  Generals  Pillow  andTwiggs,  embracing  the  brigades 
of  Pierce  (since  president  of  the  United  States),  Cadwalla- 
der,  Riley,  and  Smith,  passed  on  to  storm  the  Mexican  camp 
at  Contreras  [con-trd '-ras],  held  by  Gen.  Valencia  \vah-leri- 
she-a]  with  6,000  men.  Even  if  these  points  were  carried, 
Santa  Anna  with  12,000  men  and  the  embattled  heights  of 
Churubusco  \choo-ro-boos' -co]  still  lay  between  the  invading 
army  and  the  capital.  Towards  sunset  on  the  19th  of  Au 
gust,  Gen.  Shields  succeeded  in  taking  the  village  of  Ansalda 
\ahn-sahl '-dali\,  and  thus  cut  off  communication  between  the 
camp  at  Contreras  and  Santa  Anna's  army.  A  rainy  night 
rendered  the  condition  of  the  American  soldiers  comfortless 
in  the  extreme.  About  midnight  they  were  summoned  to 
arms,  Gen.  Persifer  F.  Smith  having  conceived  the  bold  de 
sign  of  surprising  Contreras.  The  darkness  was  so  intense 
that  the  men  had  to  touch  each  other  as  they  marched,  to 

How  near  the  capital  did  the  Americans  get  without  encountering  resistance  ?  What 
is  said  of  the  defences  of  the  city  ?  Leaving  the  Vera  Cruz  road,  what  did  Gen.  Scott 
do  ?  Who  was  ordered  to  attack  San  Antonio  ?  What  disposition  was  made  of  the  rest 
of  the  army?  What  advantage  was  gained  by  Gen.  Shields?  What  kind  of  a  night 


1847J  ADVANCE    UPON   THE   CAPITAL.  4:37 

avoid  being  separated.  They  reached  the  ground  by  sun- 
rise,  stormed  the  Mexican  camp,  and  took  it  in  a  quarter  of 
an  hour,  making  prisoners  of  813  men. 

This  was  the  first  victory  gained  on  the  memorable  20th 
of  August,  1847.  The  same  day,  Gen.  Worth  drove  the 
garrison  of  San  Antonio  from  their  defences,  and  then,  joined 
by  Pillow,  with  equal  success  stormed  a  stronghold  on  the 
heights  of  Churubusco.  Gen.  Twiggs  captured  another  of 
the  defences  on  the  heights,  and  Churubusco  surrendered. 
Meanwhile  Shields  and  Pierce  had  kept  Santa  Anna  and  his 
reserve  from  coming  to  the  aid  of  their  countrymen,  and 
finally,  after  maintaining  their  ground  for  hours  with  steady 
courage  against  overwhelming  numbers,  drove  them  from 
the  field.  Thus  were  five  separate  victories  gained  in  a 
single  day.  A  force  of  32,000  Mexicans  was  completely 
broken  up,  with  the  loss  of  7,000  men,  by  an  army  of  not 
much  more  than  one-fourth  of  their  number.  The  Ameri 
cans  during  this  trying  day  had  139  killed  and  876  wounded. 

576.  Before  humbling  the  Mexicans  by  entering  their  cap 
ital  as  a  victor,  Gen.  Scott  gave  them  an  opportunity  of  treat 
ing,  but  his  overtures  were  again  rejected.  On  the  8th  of 
September,  Gen.  Worth  was  ordered  to  storm  Molino  del 
Rey  [mo-le '-no  del  ra]  (the  king's  mill),  the  site  of  a  large 
foundry,  at  which  the  church-bells  of  the  city  were  being 
cast  into  cannon.  Worth  encountered  an  army  of  nearly 
14,000  Mexicans,  whom  he  defeated  after  a  hard-fought  bat 
tle.  This  position  being  carried,  the  precipitous  heights  of 
Chapultepec  \chali-pool '-ta-peti\,  crowned  by  an  almost  im 
pregnable  castle,  lay  next  in  the  path  of  the  invading  army ; 
but  the  indomitable  valor  of  the  Americans,  led  on  one  side 
by  Pillow  and  Cadwallader  and  on  the  other  by  Quitman, 
again  proved  triumphant,  and  on  the  13th  of  September  the 
American  flag  was  planted  on  "  the  monarch  fortification  of 
the  valley  of  Mexico". 

followed  ?  What  bold  design  was  conceived  by  Gen.  Smith  ?  Relate  the  circumstances 
attending  its  execution.  What  was  the  result  ?  What  victories  were  gained  by  Gen. 
Worth  on  this  memorable  20th  of  August?  What  victory  was  gained  by  Gen.  Twiggs  ? 
What  by  Shields  and  Pierce?  What  was  the  number  engaged  and  the  loss  on  each  side? 
576.  Before  entering  the  capital,  what  did  Gen.  Scott  do  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  bat- 


438 


FOLK'S   ADMINISTRATION. 


[1847 


ROUTE     OFT     THE 

.AMERICAN"  ARMY" 


Gen.  Quitman  pursued  the  flying  Mexicans  to  the  very 
entrance  of  the  city,  took  several  batteries  and  the  gate  they 
defended,  and  maintained  his  position  in  spite  of  the  most 
strenuous  efforts  of  the  enemy.  Worth  advanced  by  a  more 
circuitous  route,  and  was  also  successful,  though  his  division 
met  with  heavy  loss.  The  Americans  were  prevented  from 
taking  immediate  possession  of  the  city  only  by  the  approach 
of  darkness.  Santa  Anna,  with  most  of  his  army  and  the 
principal  officers  of  the  state,  effected  his  escape  during  the 
night.  Before  dawn  on  the  14th  of  September,  Gen.  Scott 
was  waited  on  by  a  deputation  from  the  city,  with  an  offer 
of  surrender ;  but  they  came  too  late ;  Gen.  Scott  would 
now  grant  no  terms  of  capitulation.  The  following  morning 
(September  14th),  Worth  and  Quitman  penetrated  into  the 
heart  of  the  city.  The  U.  S.  flag  was  soon  flying  from  the 
National  Palace  ;  and  Gen.  Scott,  after  one  of  the  most  mas 
terly  and  successful  campaigns  on  record,  entered  the  Aztec 
capital  in  triumph,  amid  the  cheers  of  his  companions  in 

Uo  of  Molino  del  Jivy.  Give  an  account  of  the  battle  of  Chapultepec.  Who  pursued 
the  Mexicans  to  the  city  ?  [See  Map. — By  what  gate  did  Worth  enter?  What  cause 
ways  led  to  the  city  ?]  What  prevented  the  Americans  from  taking  immediate  posses 
sion  ?  What  was  done  by  Santa  Anna  and  the  officers  of  government  during  the  night I 
What  ofter  was  now  made  to  Gen.  Scott?  How  did  he  receive  it?  What  took  place 


SIEGE   OF   PUEBLA. 


439 


arm!?.  For  twenty-four  hours  the  victorious  army  were  an- 
noyed  by  a  desultory  fire  from  windows,  by-streets,  and 
roof-tops,  proceeding  chiefly  from  convicts,  who  to  the  num 
ber  of  2,000  had  been  liberated  from  prison  by  the  retiring 
government.  But  order  was  at  length  restored ;  the  citizens 
who  had  fled,  returned ;  and  business  was  resumed. 


jlf.rlS 


ENTRANCE  OF  THE    AMERICAN   ARMY   INTO   MEXICO. 

577.  Eighteen  hundred  sick  men  had  been  left  by  Gen. 
Scott  at  Puebla,  under  the  charge  of  Col.  Childs  and  a  small 
garrison.  The  Mexicans  embraced  the  opportunity  to  be 
siege  the  place.  Childs,  though  hard  pressed  and  without 
adequate  means  of  defence,  made  a  most  gallant  resistance ; 
and,  by  dint  of  almost  superhuman  exertions  on  the  part  of 
his  men,  succeeded  in  keeping  his  besiegers  at  bay,  even 
after  they  were  joined  by  Santa  Anna  with  several  thousands 
of  his  fugitive  troops  from  the  capital.  Fortunately,  Gen- 

on  the  14th  of  September?     How  were  the  victorious  army  for  a  time  annoyed?    577. 
Give  an  account  of  the  siege  of  Puebla  by  the  Mexicans,    llow  was  it  raised?    578. 


4:40 

eral  Lane,  on  his  way  to  the  capital  with  recruits  for  the 
American  army,  heard  of  Colonel  Childs'  critical  position. 
Hastening  to  his  relief,  he  defeated  the  enemy  and  raised 
the  siege. 

578.  In  June,  1846,  Col.  Kearney  [kar'-ne]  (soon  made 
general)  started  from  Fort  Leavenworth  with  1,000  men, 
constituting  "  the  army  of  the  west",  to  reduce  the  northern 
provinces  of  the  enemy,  and  make  his  way  to  the  Pacific. 
A  march  of  900  miles  brought  him  to  Santa  Fe  [/a],  the 
capital  of  New  Mexico,  the  army  that  had  occupied  it  fleeing 
on  his  approach.  Having  organized  a  government  and  gar 
risoned  Santa  Fe,  Kearney  continued  his  march.  He  had 
not  gone  far  when  he  was  met  by  Kit  Carson,  the  famous 
hunter  and  guide  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  with  the  intelli 
gence  that  California,  which  constituted  the  northwestern 
part  of  Mexico,  was  already  conquered  by  Commodore 
Stockton  and  Col.  Fre'-mont.  We  must  go  back,  to  relate 
the  circumstances. 

Fremont  had  been  sent  out  by  government  in  1842  with  a 
small  party  to  explore  the  Rocky  Mountain  region.  On  the 
15th  of  August,  he  reached  the  highest  ridge  of  that  great 
chain,  and  beheld  before  him  a  snow-crowned  peak  which 
towered  high  above  the  surrounding  eminences.  It  was  de 
termined  to  ascend  to  its  summ.it  and  plant  the  American 
flag  higher  than  it  had  ever  waved  before.  Leaving  their 
mules,  the  little  party  clambered  up  the  precipitous  side  of 
the  mountain,  holding  on  by  its  jagged  projections.  At 
length  their  leader  reached  the  top.  He  stood  on  a  dizzy 
crest  but  three  feet  wide,  a  sheer  precipice  of  500  feet  yawn 
ing  before  him.  Each  man  having  ascended  in  turn,  the 
American  flag  was  fastened  to  a  ramrod  fixed  in  a  crevice 
of  the  summit,  and  left  unfurled  to  the  mountain  breeze. 

Fremont,  having  accomplished  the  object  of  his  mission, 
was  again  sent  out  in  1 845,  to  explore  the  great  basin  of  the 
Salt  Lake,  California,  and  Oregon.  Having  passed  the  win- 

tliva  an  account  of  Kearney's  expedition.  By  whom  was  Kearney  met  ?  With  what 
intelligence?  For  what  purpose  had  Fremont  been  sent  out  by  government  in  1842? 
Give  an  account  of  the  unfurling  of  the  American  flag  on  the  Rocky  Mountains.  When 


1846] 


CONQUEST   OF   CALIFORNIA. 


ter^n  California,  he  re 
ceived  dispatches  in  the 
spring  of  1846,  informing 
him  that  war  would  prob 
ably  soon  break  out  be 
tween  the  U.  States  and 
Mexico.  He  at  once  re- 


rjNFUT.LTNG   OF  TUB  IT.   8.   FLAG   ON  TIFE   ROCKY   MOUNTAINS. 

solved  to  erect  California  into  a  separate  government.  Cull 
ing  together  the  people,  particularly  the  American  settlers  in 
the  valley  of  the  Sacramento,  he  set  before  them  the  condi 
tion  of  the  country,  and  recommended  them  to  declare  their 
independence.  This  was  done  on  the  5th  of  July,  1 846.  Skir 
mishes  ensued  with  different  bodies  of  Mexicans.  While 
pursuing  one  of  these,  Fremont  was  informed  that  Commo 
dore  Stockton  had  taken  Monterey,  on  the  Pacific  coast,  with 
a  U.  S.  fleet.  Immediately  laying  aside  the  flag  of  independ 
ent  California,  which  bore  a  bear  for  its  device,  he  raised  the 
colors  of  the  United  States  in  its  stead,  and  joined  Commo 
dore  Stockton.  By  their  united  forces  the  seat  of  govern 
ment  and  other  places  were  soon  afterwards  taken. 

579.  On  receiving  this  intelligence,  Kearney  sent  back 
part  of  his  men  to  Santa  Fe,  and  proceeded  with  the  remain 
der  to  the  Pacific.  After  being  nearly  cut  off  by  overwhelm- 
big  forces  of  Mexicans,  he  succeeded  in  reaching  his  country- 
was  Fremont  sent  oat  again?  For  what  purpose?  What  information  did  he  receive 
In  the  spring  of  1846?  Upon  this,  give  an  account  of  his  proceedings.  While  pursu 
ing  a  body  of  Mexicans,  what  did  he  learn?  What  did  he  then  do?  579.  What  were 


44:2  FOLK'S  ADMINISTKATION.  [18*7 

men,  and  took  part  in  the  battle  of  San  Gabriel  [gah'-bre-et\ 
(January  8th,  1847),  which  completed  the  establishment  of 
American  power  in  California.  Never  before  was  so  exten 
sive  a  country  subjugated  by  so  small  a  force. 

580.  Soon  after  Kearney  left  Santa  Fe,  Col.  Doniphan  by 
his  command  set  out  with  nearly  1,000  Missourians  for  the 
country  of  the  Navajo  [nah-vaw'-ho]  Indians,  from  whom 
hostilities  were  apprehended.     They  were  induced  to  make 
a  treaty  of  peace ;  and  Doniphan  then  turned  to  the  south 
east,  traversed  extensive  deserts,  in  which  his  men  nearly 
sunk  from  want  of  food  and  water,  defeated  an  army  of 
Mexicans  more  than  four  times  as  large  as  his  own,  entered 
the  city  of  Chihuahua  [che-whah'-whah],  and  took  formal 
possession  of  the  province  of  which  it  was  the  capital,  in  the 
name  of  the  United  States.     Towards  the  close  of  May,  he 
effected  a  junction  with  Gen.  Wool  at  Saltillo ;  and  shortly 
afterwards,  the  time  of  his  men  having  expired,  he  led  them 
back  to  New  Orleans.     They  had  marched  2,000  miles,  and 
encountered  adventures  and  hardships  which  seemed  almost 
like  the  inventions  of  romance. 

581.  After  his  defeat  by  Gen.  Lane,  Santa  Anna,  deserted 
by  his  troops,  fled  to  the  coast  and  thence  to  the  West  In 
dies.    The  Americans  being  everywhere  victorious,  the  Mex 
ican  government  no  longer  refused  to  come  to  terms.     On 
the  2nd  of  February,  1848,  a  treaty  was  signed  at  Guada- 
loupe   Hidalgo    \gwah-dali-loo '-pa   lie-dahl' -go\  ;    by  which 
Mexico  relinquished  to  the  United  States  the  territory  be 
tween  the  Nueces  and  Rio  Grande,  together  with  the  whole 
of  New  Mexico  and  California ;   the  United  States  agree 
ing  on  its  part  to  pay  for  this  extensive  region  815,000,000, 
and  to  assume  debts  due  from  Mexico, to  American  citizens 
to  the  amount  of  $3,500,000.     This  treaty  having  been  rati 
fied  by  both  governments,  peace  was  proclaimed  by  Presi 
dent  Polk  on  the  4th  of  July,  1848. 

Kearney's  movements  on  receiving  this  intelligence?  In  what  battle  did  he  take  part? 
680.  Give  an  account  of  Doniphan's  expedition.  Towards  the  close  of  May,  whom  did 
he  join?  Where  did  he  then  lead  his  men?  What  is  said  of  their  march  and  adven 
tures?  581.  What  became  of  Santa  Anna?  What  change  took  place  in  the  feelings  of 
tlio  Mexican  government  ?  When  and  where  was  a  treaty  signed  ?  What  were  its  con 


1848J 


DISCOVERY    OF   GOLD    IN    CALIFORNIA. 


443 


582.  California,  from  the  time  of  its  conquest,  increased 
rapidly  in  population,  numerous  emigrants  finding  their  way 
thither  from  the  other  side  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  In 
March,  1848,  when  it  was  formally  ceded  to  the  U.  S.,  it  was 
estimated  to  contain  33,000  inhabitants.  The  following  June, 
a  discovery  was  made,  which  produced  momentous  changes 
in  the  condition  of  California,  and  made  itself  felt  through 
out  the  world.  A  laborer  in  the  employ  of  Captain  Sutter, 
a  Swiss  who  had  settled  in  the  valley  of  the  Sacramento, 
found  in  the  sand  some  glittering  particles,  which  turned  out 
to  be  gold.  Similar  discoveries  were  soon  made  in  other 
places  in  the  neighborhood.  An  excitement  which  trans 
cends  description  seized  on  the  inhabitants  ;  forsaking  their 
farms  and  shutting  up  their  houses,  they  flocked  to  the  for 
tunate  spot.  The  news  soon  reached  the  Atlantic  States. 
Hundreds  at  once  set  out  for  the  land  of  gold  ;  and  not  from 
the  United  States  only,  but  from  all  parts  of  Europe,  and 


GOLD-DIGGING    IN    CALIKOI'.MA. 


ditions?    When  was  peace  proclaimed  ?    582.  What  is  said  of  California,  from  the  time 
of  its  conquest?    What  discovery  waa  made  in  June,  1848?    Describe  the  excitement 


4:44  FOLK'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [is 48 

even  from  far-distant  China,  did  the  tide  of  immigration  flow, 
men  of  every  grade  in  society  giving  themselves  up  to  its 
current.  Within  two  years  from  the  date  of  the  discovery, 
San  Francisco  had  grown  from  an  insignificant  village  of  a 
few  miserable  huts  to  a  flourishing  city  containing  15,000 
souls.  Hundreds  of  millions  of  dollars'  worth  of  the  pre 
cious  metal  have  been  dug  from  the  earth,  nor  is  the  hidden 
treasure  yet  exhausted. 

583.  On  the  23rd  of  February,  1848,  ex-president  John 
Quincy  Adams,  who  from  1831  had  served  his  native  state 
hi  the  house  of  representatives,  died  of  paralysis,  with  which 
he  had  been  struck  two  days  before  while  in  his  seat  attend 
ing  to  his  official  duties.    His  dying  words  were,  "  This  is  the 
last  of  earth !  I  am  content !"     A  life  devoted  almost  wholly 
to  the  service  of  his  country  gave  him  strong  claims  on  her 
gratitude,  and  the  highest  honors  were  paid  to  his  memory. 

584.  Wisconsin,  which  had  been  formed  into  a  territory 
in  1836,  was  admitted  into  the  Union  as  a  state  in  1848. 
In  March,  1849,  Minnesota  Territory  was  organized. 

585.  The  probability  that  the  war  with  Mexico  would  re 
sult  in  the  acquisition  of  extensive  territory  on  the  south 
west,  early  led  to  a  re-agitation  of  the  slavery  question.     In 
1846,  David  Wilmot,  of  Pennsylvania,  introduced  into  Con 
gress  a  proposition,  called  from  him  the  Wilmot  Proviso, 
that  slavery  should  be  prohibited  in  all  territory  that  might 
be  acquired  by  treaty.     This  proviso  failed  to  receive  the 
sanction  of  Congress ;  and,  the  question  being  thrown  be 
fore  the  country  for  discussion,  a  party  holding  the  views 
advocated  by  Mr.  Wilmot  was  organized.     They  took  the 
name  of  Free  Soilers,  and  in  June,  1848,  nominated  Martin 
Van  Buren  as  their  candidate  for  the  presidency.     The  dem 
ocrats  brought  forward  Gen.  Lewis  Cass,  of  Michigan ;  the 
whigs,  Gen.  Taylor,  whose  brilliant  victories  in  the  Mexican 

that  followed.  Whence  did  immigrants  pour  In?  What  is  said  of  the  growth  of  San 
Francisco?  What  is  said  of  the  yield  of  gold?  583.  Give  an  account  of  the  death  oi 
John  Quincy  Adams.  534.  When  was  Wisconsin  made  a  territory?  Whisn,  a  state? 
What  territory  was  organized  in  1849  ?  585.  Soon  after  the  commencement  of  the  war, 
what  question  began  to  be  re-agitated?  What  was  the  Wilinot  Proviso?  What  was 
its  fate  ?  What  party  was  soon  after  organized  ?  Whom  did  they  nominate  for  the 


X8*9]  GENERAL   TAYLOR   BECOMES    PRESIDENT.  445 

War  had  made  him  a  decided  favorite  with  the  nation.  Tay 
lor  was  elected,  and  with  him  Millard  Fillmorc,  of  New  York, 
as  vice-president.  Mr.  Polk  resigned  the  country  into  the 
hands  of  his  successor  on  the  4th  of  March,  1849,  and  re 
turned  to  his  home  at  Nashville,  Tennessee,  where  he  died 
the  following  June,  at  the  age  of  54,  esteemed  and  lamented 
by  men  of  all  parties* 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

ADMINISTRATION    OF   TAYLOR   AND   FILLMORE,   1849-1853. 

586.  ZACHARY  TAYLOR  was  born  in  Virginia  on  the  24th 
of  November,  1784.  The  following  year  his  father  emigra 
ted  to  Kentucky,  and  his  youth  was  passed  amid  the  dan 
gers  and  privations  of  frontier  life.  He  was  brought  up  a 
farmer,  but  in  1808  gave  up  this  vocation  for  a  military  life, 
having  received  a  commission  in  the  army  from  President 
Jefferson.  The  war  of  1812  brought  him  into  active  service, 
and  he  distinguished  himself  in  the  northwest,  particularly 
in  the  defence  of  Fort  Harrison  against  the  Indians.  His 
services  in  the  Seminole  War  and  subsequently  in  Mexico 
have  been  already  noticed. 

Millard  Fillmore  was  born  in  1800  in  Cayuga  county, 
N.  Y.  He  was  apprenticed  in  early  life  to  a  wool-carder ; 
but  his  superior  lalents  attracted  the  attention  of  a  promi 
nent  lawyer  of  Cayuga,  in  whose  office  he  commenced  in 
1819  a  course  of  legal  study.  On  being  admitted  to  the 
practice  of  law,  he  rapidly  rose  to  distinction.  After  serv 
ing  in  the  legislature  and  in  Congress,  he  ran  in  1844  for  the 
office  of  governor  of  New  York,  but  was  defeated.  Stand 
ing  high  in  the  confidence  of  the  whigs,  he  was  placed  on 
the  same  ticket  with  Taylor,  and  with  him  took  the  oath  of 
office  on  the  5th  of  March,  1849. 

presidency?   Whom  did  the  democrats  and  whigs  nominate  ?   Who  was  elected  f    What 
Is  said  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Polk  ? 
6S6.  Give  an  account  of  Taylor's  early  life.    Of  Fillmore's.    When  did  they  take  the 


446  TAYLOR'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [is* 9 

587.  Gen.  Taylor  appointed  John  M.  Clayton,  of  Dela 
ware,  secretary  of  state.     He  was  the  first  president  whose 
cabinet  contained  a  Secretary  of  the  Interior.     This  new 
department  was  created  just  before  the  close  of  Folk's  term, 
to  relieve  the  secretary  of  the  treasury  and  his  subordinates 
of  some  of  their  multifarious  duties. 

588.  So  rapidly  did  California  increase  in  population  that 
in  1849  its  people  took  measures  for  admission  into  the  Union 
as  a  state,  and  adopted  a  constitution  with  a  clause  prohibit 
ing  slavery.      The  introduction  of  their  petition  into  the 
thirty-first  Congress  kindled  an  intense  excitement  and  con 
vulsed  the  whole  country.     Part  of  the  territory  in  question 
was  south  of  the  dividing  line  established  by  the  Missouri 
Compromise,  and  southern  senators  declared  that  the  pro 
hibition  of  slavery  there  would  be  followed  by  the  immedi 
ate   dissolution   of  the   Union.     Other   questions   arose  to 
complicate  this  main  issue,  and  it  seemed  as  if  human  wis 
dom  would  be  incompetent  to  settle  the  momentous  points 
in  dispute  satisfactorily  to  the  conflicting  interests  concerned. 
Never  since  its  formation  was  the  Union  in  such  danger. 
At  this  crisis,  when  every  friend  of  his  country  trembled  for 
the  result,  Henry  Clay,  again  appearing  as  a  peacemaker 
between  excited  sections,  brought  before  the  senate  a  series 
of  resolutions  covering  the  whole  ground  at  issue.     With  all 
that  glowing  eloquence  which  placed  him  among  the  great 
est  of  modern  orators,  he  urged  the  necessity  of  mutual  con 
cession  and  compromise,  and  called  on  extreme  men  on  both 
sides  to  forbear  from  overthrowing  the  glorious  fabric  which 
had  been  cemented  by  the  blood  of  their  fathers. 

A  committee"  of  thirteen,  of  which  Mr.  Clay  was  chairman, 
was  finally  appointed  to  consider  the  whole  subject.  In  May, 
1850,  this  committee  presented  an  elaborate  report,  which,  in 
the  spirit  of  Clay's  resolutions,  recommended  an  act  that  set- 
tied  all  the  points  at  issue.  The  leading  provisions  of  this 

oath  of  office  ?  587.  Who  was  appointed  secretary  of  state  ?  What  new  cabinet  officer 
did  Taylor  appoint  ?  588.  What  question  now  arose  to  excite  Congress  and  the  whole 
country  ?  What  did  southern  senators  declare  ?  Describe  the  state  of  feeling.  Who 
attempted  to  settle  the  difficulty?  What  was  Clay's  course  ?  To  whom  was  the  whole 
subject  referred  by  the  senate?  When  did  this  committee  report?  What  name  was 


18 50]       DEATH  OF  CALHOUN  AND  TAYLOR.         447 

Omnibus  Bill,  as  it  was  called,  were  as  follows: — 1.  That 
according  to  agreement  made  when  Texas  was  annexed,  new 
states  not  exceeding  four  should  be  formed  out  of  her  terri 
tory,  to  be  admitted  with  or  without  slavery  as  they  might 
choose.  2.  That  California  should  be  admitted  as  a  free 
state.  3.  That  territorial  governments  should  be  established 
for  New  Mexico  and  Utah,  without  any  stipulation  on  the 
subject  of  slavery.  4.  That  Texas  should  give  up  its  claim  to 
the  territory  of  New  Mexico,  in  consideration  of  $10,000,000 
to  be  paid  her  from  the  federal  treasury.  5.  That  a  more 
efficient  law  should  be  passed  for  the  recovery  of  fugitive 
slaves.  6.  That  the  slave-trade  should  be  prohibited  in  the 
District  of  Columbia  under  heavy  penalties.  Such  was  the 
bill  which  as  a  whole  was  urged  upon  Congress  by  the  united 
voice  of  the  committee.  To  its  discussion  the  summer  of 
1850  was  mainly  devoted. 

589.  In  the  midst  of  the  excitement  just  described  died 
one  of  the  great  men  of  the  nation,  John  C.  Calhoun.     Born 
in  South  Carolina  in  1782,  he  was  sent  to  Congress  in  1811, 
and  from  that  time  till  his  decease  served  in  various  public 
stations,  distinguished  no  less  for  his  unselfish  and  incorrupt 
ible  patriotism  than  for  his  close  and  lucid  reasoning.    From 
the  close  of  Tyler's  term  he  had  represented  his  native  state 
in  the  senate,  where  he  was  regarded  as  the  most  formidable 
champion  of  state  rights  and  southern  interests.     His  death, 
which  took  place  at  Washington  on  the  31st  of  March,  1850, 
deprived  the  senate  of  one  of  its  most  brilliant  ornaments 
and  the  country  of  a  pure  and  enlightened  statesman. 

590.  On  the  9th  of  July,  the  country  a  second  time  suffered 
bereavement  in  the  loss  of  its  honored  chief.     Taylor,  like 
Harrison,  fell  at  his  post.     A  sincere  patriot,  with  intense 
honesty  of  purpose  and  executive  abilities  of  a  high  order, 
his  death  at  this  juncture  when  his  country  needed  every 
true  heart  and  hand  was  considered  a  national  affliction. 

given  to  the  bill  they  presented  ?  State  the  principal  provisions  of  the  Omnibus  Bill. 
How  long  was  it  discussed  ?  589.  In  the  midst  of  the  excitement,  what  distinguished 
man  died  ?  What  is  said  of  Calhoun's  previous  life?  For  what  was  he  distinguished  ? 
How  was  he  regarded  ?  When  and  where  did  he  die  ?  590.  What  melancholy  event 
took  place  on  the  9th  of  July  ?  What  is  said  of  President  Taylor  ?  How  was  his  death 


448  FILLMORE'S  ADMINISTRATION.  fisso 

Public  business  was  suspended,  and  eulogies  were  pronounced 
upon  him  by  leading  statesmen  of  all  parties.  By  his  decease 
Fillmore  became  president ;  and,  the  former  cabinet  having 
resigned,  Daniel  Webster  was  appointed  secretary  of  state. 

591.  The  Omnibus  Bill  having  been  thoroughly  discussed, 
its  provisions  were  separately  agreed  to,  the  Fugitive  Slave 
Law,  which  was  the  last  to  receive  the  assent  of  Congress, 
passing  on  the  1 8th  of  September.     Mr.  Fillmore,  who  had 
earnestly  striven  to  restore  harmony,  gladly  affixed  his  signa 
ture  to  the  bill.    The  country  was  once  more  at  peace.    Clay 
had  achieved  his  last  and  greatest  triumph. 

592.  California  thus  entered  the  Union  as  the  thirty-first 
state.     Of  the  new  territories  organized  by  the  Omnibus  Bill, 
New  Mexico,  which  was  inhabited  chiefly  by  Spaniards  and 
Indians,  contained  at  this  time  61,525  free  whites.     Utah 
embraced  a  vast  region  between  the  Rocky  Mountains  and 
California,  extending  from  New  Mexico  on  the  south  to  Or 
egon  on  the  north.    The  Mormons,  on  leaving  Illinois,  select 
ed  it  as  the  seat  of  the  empire  to  which  they  believed  them 
selves  destined.     Near  the  Great  Salt  Lake,  at  an  elevation 
of  4,300  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  they  founded  a 
magnificent  capital,  with  streets  eight  rods  in  width  and 
fine  dwellings  surrounded  by  delightful  gardens.     Brigham 
Young,  one  of  their  elders,  was  appointed  governor  of  Utah 
by  Mr.  Fillmore. 

593.  About  the  commencement  of  Gen.  Taylor's  term,  the 
island  of  Cuba  became  an  object  of  general  interest.     Some 
adventurous  spirits,  believing  that  its  annexation  would  be 
advantageous  to  the  U.  S.  and  that  its  inhabitants  only  wait 
ed  for  an  opportunity  to  throw  off  the  Spanish  yoke,  pre 
pared  to  make  an  armed  descent  on  this  lovely  "queen  of  the 
Antilles,"  now  nearly  all  that  remained  to  Spain  of  her  grand 
empire  in  the  Indies.     Pres.  Taylor,  in  a  proclamation  issued 
August  llth,  1849,  cautioned  his  fellow-citizens  against  vio- 

regarded  ?  Who  became  president  on  bis  decease  ?  Who  was  appointed  secretary  of 
state?  591.  Give  an  account  of  the  passage  of  the  Omnibus  Bill.  592.  What  is  said  of 
New  Mexico?  What,  of  Utah  ?  What,  of  the  Mormon  capital  ?  Whom  did  Fillmore 
appoint  jrovernor  of  Utah  ?  593.  What  island  had  shortly  before  this  attracted  attention  ? 
What  was  proposed  by  some?  What  proclamation  was  issued  by  Pres.  Taylor?  Not- 


1850J  CUBAN    EXPEDITIONS    OF    LOPEZ.  44:9 

lating  the  neutrality  laws  of  the  land  by  engaging  in  any 
such  enterprise ;  but  his  warning  was  disregarded,  and  an 
armed  expedition  was  secretly  organized  under  General 
Lo'-pez.  Six  hundred  men,  having  eluded  the  U.  S.  author 
ities,  sailed  for  the  island  and  effected  a  landing  at  Cardenas 
[car '-da-nas\  on  the  19th  of  May,  1850.  They  took  the 
place,  but  finding  that  neither  the  Cubans  nor  any  of  the 
Spanish  troops  were  disposed  to  join  them,  as  had  been  rep 
resented,  they  deemed  it  best  to  reembark,  and  made  their 
way  to  Key  West,  Florida,  closely  pursued  by  a  Spanish 
war-steamer.  The  following  year,  the  excitement  was  re 
newed.  Lopez  organized  another  company  of  480  men, 
with  which  he  succeeded  in  getting  off  from  New  Orleans 
and  landed  on  the  northern  coast  of  Cuba.  The  Spanish 
authorities  were  not  unprepared  to  receive  him,  40,000 
troops  having  been  concentrated  on  the  island.  Lopez  was 
attacked  and  defeated;  his  army  was  dispersed,  and  he 
himself,  with  a  number  of  his  followers,  was  executed  at  Ha 
vana. 

594.  Great  anxiety  was  felt  at  this  time,  both  in  England 
and  the  United  States,  respecting  the  fate  of  Sir  John  Frank 
lin,  an  English  navigator  who  had  sailed  in  the  spring  of  1845 
to  explore  the  Arctic  seas  and  find  a  northern  passage  to  the 
Pacific.  No  tidings  having  been  received  of  his  party,  it  was 
feared  that  they  might  be  suffering  for  want  of  succor.  Sev 
eral  expeditions  were  sent  in  search  of  the  missing  navigators, 
one  of  which,  fitted  out  by  Henry  Grinnell,  a  N.  Y.  merchant, 
at  his  own  expense,  started  for  the  North  in  May,  1850,  un 
der  Lieut.  De  Haven,  of  the  U.  S.  navy.  The  search  was 
prosecuted  for  more  than  a  year,  but  neither  Sir  John  Frank 
lin  nor  the  long-sought  passage  round  America  on  the  North 
was  discovered.  Another  expedition,  undertaken  for  the 
same  humane  purpose  by  the  U.  S.  government  in  connec 
tion  with  Mr.  Grinnell,  left  New  York  in  May,  1853,  under 

withstanding  this,  who  secretly  organized  an  expedition  ?  Give  an  account  of  it  ?  What 
was  its  fate?  Give  an  account  of  the  invasion  of  Cuba  by  Lopez,  the  following  year. 
594.  On  what  subject  was  great  anxiety  felt  at  this  time?  What  is  told  respecting  Sir 
John  Franklin  ?  Give  an  account  of  the  first  expedition  sent  out  from  the  U.  S.  to  search 
for  him.  Give  an  account  of  the  second.  What  was  no  doubt  the  fato  of  Franklin? 


4:50  FILLMOKE'S  ADMINISTRATION,  [issa 

Dr.  E.  K.  Kane,  one  of  the  most  resolute  and  scientific  ex 
plorers  of  the  age ;  but  Sir  John  and  his  brave  men  could  not 
be  found,  and  no  doubt  is  now  entertained  of  their  having 
perished  in  the  far  North. 

595..  In  1852,  America  was  bereaved  of  two  of  her  greatest 
men,  Henry  Clay  and  Daniel  Webster.  Clay  was  born  in 
1777  in  Virginia,  near  a  region  known  as  the  Slashes,  whence 
in  political  campaigns  he  was  often  called  "  the  mill-boy  of 
the  Slashes".  He  was  admitted  to  the  Richmond  bar  at  the 
age  of  twenty,  and  soon  afterwards  removed  to  Lexington, 
Kentucky,  where  he  practised  with  eminent  success.  In 
1806,  he  was  sent  to  the  U.  S.  senate ;  and  both  in  that  body 
and  in  all  the  public  stations  he  was  called  to  occupy,  he 
proved  himself  a  practical  statesman  of  liberal  views  and  far- 
reaching  sagacity.  On  three  separate  occasions  he  was  the 
means  of  settling  complicated  questions  which  threatened 
the  very  existence  of  the  Union.  In  private  life  no  man  was 
more  beloved;  and  when  on  the  28th  of  June,  1852,  it  was 
announced  that  Henry  Clay  was  no  more,  tears  burst  from 
many  an  eye  unused  to  weeping. — Webster,  another  man  of 
giant  intellect  and  the  author  of  some  of  the  finest  state  pa 
pers  on  record,  died  at  Marshfield,  Mass.,  on  the  24th  of  Oc 
tober,  in  the  same  year.  Born  in  New  Hampshire  in  1782, 
he  was  sent  to  Congress  at  the  age  of  thirty-one ;  and  from 
that  time  much  of  his  Me  was  devoted  to  the  public  service. 
"  I  still  live,"  he  said,  as  anxious  friends  pressed  round  his 
dying  bed :  they  were  his  last  words.  His  memory,  with 
that  of  his  illustrious  compeers,  Clay  and  Calhoun,  will  ever 
be  kept  green. 

596.  During  1852,  different  parts  of  the  country  were  vis 
ited  by  Louis  Kossuth  \ko-shoot'],  who  arrived  at  New  York 
in  the  preceding  December.  Kossuth  had  attempted,  with 
many  of  his  countrymen,  to  establish  the  independence  of 
Hungary ;  but,  defeated  in  his  efforts  by  the  combined  ar 
mies  of  Austria  and  Russia,  he  had  been  compelled  to  seek 

595.  How  was  America  bereaved  in  1852?  Give  a  sketch  of  the  life  of  Henry  Clay. 
When  did  he  die  ?  When  and  whore  did  Webster  die  ?  What  is  told  respecting  his 
life  ?  What  were  his  last  words  ?  596.  Who  visited  the  United  States  in  1851  ?  Who 


1853]        REJECTION    OF    THE    "  TRIPARTITE   TREATY."  451 

safety  in  flight.  His  object  in  visiting  the  United  States 
was  to  obtain  aid  for  further  efforts  in  behalf  of  Hungarian 
independence.  This  he  succeeded  in  obtaining  to  a  consid 
erable  extent  from  private  individuals;  but  government, 
though  it  sympathised  with  his  cause,  refused  to  depart  from 
its  long-established  policy  of  not  interfering  in  the  affairs  of 
foreign  nations. 

597.  A  temporary  difficulty  with  Great  Britain  occurred 
in  the  summer  of  1852.     American  citizens  enjoyed,  by  trea 
ty,  the  right  of  fishing  on  the  Banks  of  Newfoundland,  ex 
cept  within  three  miles  of  shore.     In  the  case  of  bays,  the 
British  construed  this  clause  to  mean  within  three  miles  of  a 
line  drawn  from  headland  to  headland  ;  while  the  Americans 
claimed  the  right  of  entering  within  headlands  provided  they 
kept  three  miles  from  shore.     Both  parties  sent  ships  of-war 
to  the  Banks  to  enforce  their  views,  but  happily  the  question 
was  soon  settled  by  negotiation.  '  '. 

598.  The  attempts  that  had  been  made  on  Cuba  rendered 
France  and  England  anxious  lest  the  United  States  should 
seek  to  annex  that  island  to  her  domain.     They  accordingly 
asked  her  to  unite  with  them  in  a  "  tripartite  treaty",  by 
which  each  power  should  disclaim  all  intention  of  seizing 
upon  Cuba,  and  guarantee  its  possession  to  Spain.      This 
called  forth  a  masterly  reply  from  Edward  Everett,  of  Mas 
sachusetts,  who  since  Webster's  decease  had  held  the  office 
of  secretary  of  state.     In  rejecting  the  proposal,  Mr.  Everett 
took  occasion  to  set  forth  the  Monroe  doctrine  in  the  strong 
est  terms,  declaring  that,  while  the  United  States  had  no 
intention  of  violating  her  good  faith  towards  Spain,  she  did 
not  recognize  in  any  European  power  the  right  of  interfering 
hi  questions  that  were  purely  American. 

599.  At  the  presidential  election  of  1852,  the  democrats 
brought  forward  Franklin  Pierce,  of  New  Hampshire ;  the 
whigs,  Gen.  Winfield  Scott.    The  former  was  elected  by  a 

wasKossuth?  What  was  his  object?  With  what  success  did  he  meet?  59T.  What 
gave  rise  to  a  difficulty  with  Great  Britain  in  1852?  Uow  was  it  settled?  598.  What 
proposal  did  France  and  England  make  to  the  United  States?  What  led  them  to  make 
it?  What  answer  was  returned  by  Mr.  Everett?  599.  Who  were  the  candidates  at  the 
next  presidential  election  ?  Who  was  elected  president  ?  Who,  vice-president  ? 


452  PIEECE'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [issa 

large  majority,  and  with  him  William  R.  King,  of  Alabama, 
as  vice-president.  Pierce  was  inaugurated  on  the  4th  of 
March,  185,3. 


CHAPTER   XV. 

PIERCE'S  ADMINISTRATION,  1853-1857. 

600.  A  NATIVE  of  Hillsborough,  New  Hampshire,  and  a 
graduate  of  Bowdoin  College,  Franklin  Pierce  commenced 
life  as  a  lawyer.     Having  become  a  successful  practitioner, 
he  was  sent  to  the  legislature  of  his  native  state,  and  thence 
to  the  lower  house  of  Congress.     In  1837,  he  was  elected 
to  the  U.  S.  senate,  being  then  but  thirty-three  years  of  age. 
After  five  years'  service  in  this  body,  he  returned  to  private 
life.     The  commencement  of  hostilities  in  Mexico  called  him 
into  the  field  as  a  volunteer.     He  received  from  President 
Polk  a  commission  as  brigadier-general,  and  conducted  him 
self  creditably  in  several  of  the  most  trying  battles  fought 
during  the   advance   upon   Mexico. — Mr.   King,  the  vice- 
president,  was  one  of  the  senators  first  elected  by  Alabama 
in  1819,  and  had  retained  his  seat  ever  since  by  successive 
elections  except  for  four  years,  during  which  he  had  been 
U.  S.  minister  at  the  French  court.     Declining  health  led 
him  to  visit  Cuba  early  in  1853,  and  on  that  island  he  took 
the  oath  of  office  as  vice-president.     His  recovery  proving 
hopeless,  he  returned  to  Alabama,  where  he  died  April  1 8th, 
1853. — William  L.  Marcy,  of  New  York,  became  secretary 
of  state  under  the  new  administration. 

601.  Shortly  after  his  inauguration,  Gen.  Pierce  was  called 
to  take  part  in  the  opening  ceremonies  of  an  "  exhibition  of 
the  industry  of  all  nations",  or  World's  Fair.     England  had 
set  the  example  in  1851  by  erecting  a  magnificent  building, 
and  inviting  the  different  nations  to  contribute  specimens  of 

600.  Give  a  sketch  of  the  previous  life  of  President  Pierce.  Give  an  account  of  Vice- 
president  King's  previous  career.  When  and  where  did  Mr.  King  die?  Who  was  ap 
pointed  secretary  of  state?  601.  What  exhibition  opened  in  the  summer  of  1853? 
Where  was  the  first  world's  fair  held  ?  What  were  the  different  nations  invited  to  con- 


1853J  RESCUE    OF   MARTIN    KOSZTA.  453 

their  inventions,  manufactures,  agricultural  products,  and 
works  of  art.  A  similar  enterprise  was  projected  in  the 
United  States.  A  Crystal  Palace,  the  frame  of  which  was 
composed  exclusively  of  iron  and  glass,  was  constructed  by 
a  stock  company  in  the  city  of  New  York,  filled  with  the 
choicest  products  of  foreign  and  domestic  labor,  and  opened 
to  the  public  on  the  14th  of  July,  1853.  Thousands  visited 
it,  from  all  parts  of  the  country ;  and,  though  in  a  pecuniary 
point  of  view  the  enterprise  was  unsuccessful,  it  had  a  most 
happy  effect  on  the  industrial  interests  of  the  new  world,  by 
producing  a  spirit  of  generous  emulation,  and  diffusing  cor 
rect  ideas  of  the  advance  of  art  and  industry  abroad. 

602.  Difficulties  with  several  foreign  nations  occurred  early 
in  Pierce's  administration.  The  first  of  these  was  with  Mex 
ico,  and  grew  out  of  the  incorrectness  of  the  maps  on  which 
the  treaty  with  that  country  had  been  based.  The  boundary 
of  the  territory  ceded  to  the  United  States  thus  became  a 
matter  of  question  ;  and  Santa  Anna,  whom  another  revolu 
tion  had  placed  at  the  head  of  affairs,  proceeded  to  occupy 
the  disputed  district.  War  was  averted  by  negotiation,  and 
the  separating  line  between  the  two  countries  was.  clearly 
defined. — About  the  same  time,  a  diplomatic  question  arose 
with  Austria.  Martin  Koszta  [Jcoz'-tah],  a  Hungarian  who 
had  been  concerned  in  the  revolution  of  1848,  had  taken 
refuge  in  the  United  States,  and  formally  declared  his  inten 
tion  of  becoming  an  American  citizen.  Having  occasion  to 
visit  Smyrna,  on  the  Mediterranean  coast,  he  placed  himself 
under  the  protection  of  the  U.  S.  consul,  but  was  seized  by 
a  lawless  band  and  carried  on  board  of  an  Austrian  ship  to 
answer  for  his  previous  conduct.  Just  at  this  time,  Captain 
Ingraham,  of  the  American  sloop-of-war  St.  Louis,  fortunate 
ly  arrived  in  port.  After  investigating  the  case,  and  satisfy 
ing  himself  that  Koszta  was  entitled  to  the  protection  of  his 
government,  lie  demanded  his  surrender,  which  was  obtained, 


tribute  ?  What  provision  was  made  for  a  similar  enterprise  in  the  United  States?  Or, 
what  day  did  it  open  ?  What  was  the  success  of  the  enterprise  ?  What  was  its  effect  ? 
602.  Give  an  account  of  the  difficulty  with  Mexico  early  in  Pierce's  •(piinistration. 
With  what  other  country  did  a  difficulty  arise  ?  State  the  case  of  Koszta.  Who  arrived 


454:  PIERCE'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [isss 

but  not  till  he  had  threatened  the  Austrian  vessel  with  at 
tack.  Koszta  was  placed  under  the  care  of  the  French  con 
sul,  till  the  United  States  and  Austria  should  dispose  of  the 
question.  A  correspondence  ensued,  which  resulted  in  the 
release  of  Koszta  and  his  return  to  the  United  States.  His 
life  was  probably  saved  by  the  decided  course  of  Capt.  In- 
graham,  to  whom  a  sword  was  voted  by  Congress  in  ac 
knowledgment  of  his  gallantry. 

603.  During  Pierce's  administration,  important  commer 
cial  relations  were  opened  with  Japan.     An  expedition  to 
this  distant  empire,  whose  jealousy  of  foreigners  had  kept  it 
comparatively  shut  out  from  all  nations,  had  been  projected 
by  Fillmore ;  and  a  squadron  was  sent  thither  under  Com 
modore  Perry,  a  brother  of  the  honored  naval  hero  before  men 
tioned.     In  the  summer  of  1853,  Perry  entered  the  Bay  of 
Jeddo,  his  steamers  being  the  first  that  ever  floated  on  the 
waters  of  Japan.     The  authorities,  amazed  at  such  boldness, 
warned  the  Americans  to  depart,  but  their  order  was  disre 
garded.     A  Japanese  officer  then  made  his  appearance ;  to 
whom  the  desire  of  the  United  States  to  make  a  treaty  with 
his  government  for  purposes  of  traffic,  was  duly  unfolded. 
The  subject  was  referred  to  the  emperor,  who  appointed  the 
14th  of  July  for  a  further  conference.    On  that  day,  the  com 
modore,  with  an  imposing  company  of  officers  and  marines, 
landed  and  delivered  the  letter  of  the  president.     He  was 
received  with  great  pomp,  and  informed  that  an  answer 
would  be  returned  the  following  spring.     In  March,  1854, 
the  desired  treaty  was  signed.      The  privilege  of  trading 
with  Japan  was   secured  to  the  merchants  of  the  United 
States,  and  two  ports  of  entry  were  appropriated  to  their  use. 

604.  The  most  exciting  question  that  arose  during  Pierce's 
term  related  to  the  territorial  organization  of  an  extensive 
tract  reaching  from  the  western  boundary  of  Missouri,  Iowa, 
and  Minnesota,  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  from  below  the 

in  port  about  the  time  of  this  occurrence  ?  What  course  was  pursued  by  Cnpt.  Ingra- 
bam  ?  What  was  Koszta's  fate  ?  How  was  Ingraham  rewarded  ?  603.  With  what 
country  were  important  commercial  relations  opened  ?  By  whom  was  the  expedition 
projected?  IFnder  whose  command  was  it  placed?  Give  an  account  of  Commodore 
Perry's  proceedings.  What  was  obtained  from  the  Japanese  ?  f>04.  Respecting  what 


1854]     NEBRASKA  BILL  OF  SENATOR  DOUGLAS.       455 


RKCKPTION   OF  THE   AMERICAN   OFFICERS   IN  JAPAN. 

Arkansas  River  to  British  America.  Though  assigned  in 
part  to  the  Indians  who  had  been  removed  from  the  other 
side  of  the  Mississippi,  this  tract  had  not  escaped  the  tide  of 
civilized  emigration  from  the  east ;  and  the  thirty-third 
Congress,  which  commenced  its  first  session  in  December, 

1853,  was  called  upon  to  provide  a  government  for  the  thou 
sands  of  pioneers  who  were  clearing  its  forests  and  settling 
its  fertile  plains.     The  whole  of  this  region  had  been  ob 
tained  from  France  in  1803,  as  part  of  the  Louisiana  pur 
chase  ,  and,  lying  north  of  latitude  36°  30',  it  was  cut  off 
from   slavery  by  the  Missouri  Compromise.      In  January, 

1854,  Senator  Douglas  presented  a  bill  for  the  organization 
of  this  region  into  two  new  territories  to  be  known  as  Kan 
sas  and  Nebraska,  with  the  proviso  that  the  Missouri  Com 
promise  should  not  apply  to  them,  inasmuch  as  it  had  been 
superseded  by  the  compromise  measures  of  1850.     The  ques- 

did  an  exciting  question  arise  during  Pierce's  term  ?  To  whom  had  this  district  been 
in  part  assigned  ?  Who  had  found  their  way  thither?  What  was  the  thirty-third  Con- 
press  called  on  to  do  ?  How  had  this  region  been  obtained  ?  How  was  it  cut  off  from 
slavery?  What  was  the  substance  of  a  bill  presented  by  Senator  Doughis  in  January, 


456 

tion  of  slavery  or  freedom  Mr.  Dougias  proposed  to  leave 
its  occupants  to  decide,  when  they  should  seek  admission  into 
the  Union  as  sovereign  states.  No  sooner  was  this  bill 
brought  forward  than  all  the  stormy  scenes  of  former  years 
of  agitation  were  renewed.  The  country  was  again  rent, 
and  sections  were  arrayed  against  each  other  with  embit 
tered  feelings.  The  doctrine  of  "  Popular  Sovereignty",  as 
it  is  called,  was  violently  denounced,  particularly  in  the 
Eastern  States ;  but  all  efforts  to  defeat  Mr.  Douglas's  bill 
failed  ;  and  in  May,  1854,  having  passed  both  houses  of  Con 
gress  and  received  the  president's  signature,  it  became  a  law. 
605.  The  doctrine  of  "  popular  sovereignty"  having  been 
thus  endorsed  and  settled,  the  men  of  the  East  and  of  the 
South  both  strove  to  encourage  emigration,  that,  when  ad 
mitted  as  a  state,  Kansas  might  have  a  majority  of  settlers 
in  favor  of  their  respective  views.  The  Massachusetts  legis 
lature  incorporated  a  company  called  "  The  Emigrants'  Aid 
Society",  which  during  1855  sent  out  1300  persons.  Slavery 
men  also  hastened  thither ;  and  between  these  two  classes  of 
immigrants  conflicting  opinions  soon  engendered  bitter  hos 
tility.  The  first  election  in  Kansas  was  held  in  November, 
1854,  for  a  delegate  to  Congress;  it  resulted,  like  others, 
held  in  1855,  in  the  triumph  of  the  pro-slavery  party.  A 
legislature  elected  by  the  latter  proceeded  to  draw  up  a  code 
of  laws  for  the  government  of  the  territory ;  but  the  free- 
state  men,  declaring  that  the  election  had  been  controlled  by 
parties  who  had  crossed  from  Missouri  for  the  purpose  and 
were  not  residents  of  the  state,  called  a  new  convention. 
This  body  assembled  at  To-pe'-ka,  and  drew  up  a  constitu 
tion  under  which  state  officers  and  a  new  legislature  were 
elected.  Thus  there  were  two  sets  of  authorities,  each  claim 
ing  to  be  lawfully  chosen.  Civil  war  was  the  result.  Out 
rages  of  every  kind  were  committed,  and  neither  life  nor 
property  was  safe.  Peace  was  not  restored  till  the  president, 

1864  ?  What  followed  the  presentation  of  this  bill  ?  What  was  its  final  fate  ?  605.  What 
efforts  were  now  made  in  the  east  and  south  with  respect  to  Kansas?  What  feelings 
•were  engendered  between  these  two  classes  of  settlers?  When  was  the  first  election 
hold  in  Kansas?  Which  party  triumphed  ?  Recount  the  circumstances  which  brought 
two  seta  of  authorities  into  the  field  What  was  the  consequence?  When  and  by 


1856]  SUBMARINE    TELEGRAPH.  457 

on  the  3rd  of  September,  1856,  issued  an  order  for  the  sup 
pression  of  disturbances,  and  appointed  John  W.  Geary,  of 
Pennsylvania,  governor  of  Kansas,  with  full  military  powers 
for  the  accomplishment  of  this  object.  With  Gov.  Geary's 
arrival  the  war  ceased,  and  order  was  gradually  restored. 

606.  In  the  summer  of  1856,  it  was  proposed  by  an  enter 
prising  company  to  connect  Europe  and  America  with  a  sub 
marine  telegraph,  by  means  of  a  wire  sunk  in  the  ocean. 
Communication  having  been  thus  established  between  New 
foundland  and  Nova  Scotia,  surveys  were  made  with  the 
view  of  extending  the  line  to  the  southwestern  point  of  Ire 
land.     The  scheme  was  reported  perfectly  practicable,  the 
line  proposed  being  1,640  miles  long,  and  extending  over  a 
comparatively  level  surface  at  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  in  no 
part  more  than  2^-  miles  in  depth.     After  several  unsuccess 
ful  attempts,  a  gutta-percha  cable,  enclosing  the  telegraph 
wire, was  finally  laid  from  Trinity  Bay,  Newfoundland,  to  Va- 
lentia  Bay,  on  the  coast  of  Ireland.    This  crowning  triumph 
of  human  ingenuity  was  completed  August  5th,  1858,  and 
was  celebrated  with  rejoicings  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic. 

607.  After  the  death  of  the  great  party  leaders  already 
noticed,  the  old  dividing  line  between  whigs  and  democrats 
gradually  became  less  and  less  distinct ;  and,  as  new  issues 
arose,   new  parties  were   formed.     In    1853,  the    "Know- 
nothings",  or  "  Americans",  first  appeared  in  the  field,  their 
cardinal  principle  being  opposition  to  foreign  influence,  and 
their  motto  that  America  should  be  rule<J  by  Americans. 
This  order  rapidly  spread,  and  in  1854  they  were  successful 
in  most  of  the  state  elections.     Many  of  the  whigs  joined 
them  ;  while  others,  uniting  with  the  free-soil  democrats,  or 
ganized  a  new  party  under  the  name  of  "  Republicans".  Three 
candidates  thus  appeared  in  the  field  at  the  presidential  elec 
tion  of  1856.     The  democrats,  who  were  in  favor  of  letting 
slavery  extend  wherever  it  found  its  way  by  the  voice  of  the 

what  means  was  peace  restored  ?  606.  Give  an  account  of  the  Atlantic  Telegraph 
enterprise.  When  was  it  completed  ?  How  was  the  intelligence  received  ?  607.  "What 
caused  the  formation  of  new  political  parties  ?  When  did  the  "  Know-nothings  "  first 
appear?  What  was  their  cardinal  principle?  With  what  success  did  they  meet? 
What  became  of  the  whig  party  ?  How  many  candidates  for  the  presidency  appeared 


458  PIERCE'S  ADMINISTRATION.  [is 57 

people,  nominated  James  Buchanan,  of  Pennsylvania ;  the 
republicans  and  a  section  of  the  American  party  supported 
John  C.  Fremont,  of  California ;  the  rest  of  the  Americans 
voted  for  ex-president  Fillmore,  of  New  York.  The  cam 
paign,  which  was  a  most  exciting  one,  resulted  in  the  election 
of  Mr.  Buchanan  to  the  presidency,  and  John  C.  Brecken- 
ridge,  of  Kentucky,  his  fellow-candidate  on  the  democratic 
ticket,  as  vice-president. 

608.  Mr.  Buchanan  was  born  April  13th,  1791,  in  Frank 
lin  County,  Pennsylvania.    He  was  educated  for  the  law,  and 
began  his  public  career  in  the  legislature  of  his  native  state 
at  the  age  of  twenty-three.     In  1821  he  was  elected  to  the 
house  of  representatives.     He  continued  a  member  of  that 
body  till  1831,  when  he  was  appointed  minister  to  Russia  by 
President  Jackson.     On  his  return,  he  was  sent  to  the  U.  S. 
senate,  where  he  retained  his  seat  till  President  Polk  invited 
him  into  his  cabinet  as  secretary  of  state.     In  1853,  he  was 
appointed  by  Gen.  Pierce  minister  to  Great  Britain,  in  which 
capacity  he  resided  at  London  till  1856. 

609.  Mr.  Buchanan  was  inaugurated  on  th?  4th  of  March. 
1857,  and  appointed  Gen.  Lewis  Cass,  of  Michigan,  secretary 
of  state. 

In  the  field  in  1856  ?  Name  them.  Which  was  successful  ?  Who  was  elected  vice- 
president  ? 

608.  Give  a  sketch  of  Buchanan's  previous  history.    When  was  Mr.  Buchanan  inau 
gurated  ?    Whom  did  he  appoint  secretary  of  state  ? 


PRESENT  CONDITION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

IT  may  not  be  uninteresting  in  conclusion  to  glance  at  the 
present  condition  of  our  country,  its  growth  in  population, 
and  its  advance  in  art,  science,  and  internal  improvements. 

The  first  census  was  taken  in  1790;  at  which  time  the 
whole  population  was  found  to  be  3,929,827.  In  1850  it  had 
increased  to  23,191,876.  Our  commerce  has  expanded  at  a 
still  more  surprising  rate,  our  exports  in  the  same  space  of 
time  having  increased  from  twenty  to  two  hundred  millions 
of  dollars.  In  1855,  2,030  vessels  were  built  in  the  U.  S., 
being  double  the  number  constructed  in  1845. 

To  the  United  States  belongs  the  honor  not  only  of  first 
employing  steam  as  a  motive-power  hi  boats,  but  also  of  first 
using  it  in  ships  for  ocean  navigation.  The  first  steamer 
that  ever  crossed  the  Atlantic  was  the  Savannah,  launched 
at  New  York  in  1818.  She  proceeded  to  Savannah,  made 
her  way  safely  to  Europe  in  1819,  and  visited  various  ports, 
in  all  of  which  she  was  an  object  of  general  interest.  Not 
withstanding  the  success  of  this  experiment,  it  was  not  till 
1838  that  a  regular  line  of  steamers  commenced  crossing  the 
Atlantic.  Previous  to  that  time,  sailing  packets  alone  were 
used,  and  the  average  length  of  a  trip  from  Liverpool  to 
New  York  was  thirty-three  days,  the  shortest  tune  ever 
made  being  twenty-two.  The  first  trip  of  the  British  steamer 
Great  Western  (April,  1838)  was  performed  in  fourteen  days; 
and  since  then,  by  successive  improvements,  the  running  tune 
in  favorable  weather  has  been  reduced  to  eleven,  and  even 
less  than  ten,  days.  U.  S.  ship-builders  have  produced  some 
of  the  finest  models  afloat ;  in  no  department  of  industry  have 
our  enterprising  mechanics  been  more  successful. 

The  first  railroad  in  the  United  States  was  completed  in 
1827.  Since  then,  the  work  of  internal  improvement  has 
been  prosecuted  so  vigorously  that  iron  roads  thread  the 
Union  hi  every  direction  and  bind  together  its  principal 
cities  and  towns.  In  1854,  over  21,000  miles  of  railroad 


4:60  PRESENT    CONDITION    OF   THE    U.  S 

were  in  operation,  and  17,000  were  in  process  of  construc 
tion.  A  company  has  been  formed  for  the  purpose  of  build 
ing  a  road  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific ;  and  there  is  no 
doubt,  that,  in  spite  of  the  vast  difficulties  to  be  encoun 
tered,  this  gigantic  enterprise  will  finally  be  carried  through. 

In  no  country  is  labor  so  highly  respected  and  so  well  re 
munerated  as  in  the  U.  S.;  and  in  none,  therefore,  are  the 
working  classes  so  happy,  and  we  may  add  enlightened.  No 
restrictions  are  laid  on  industry ;  political  privileges  are  ex 
tended  to  all ;  and  the  humblest  citizen  may  raise  himself  to 
the  proudest  position  in  the  republic.  Our  mechanics  have 
brought  a  high  degree  of  ingenuity  as  well  as  skill  to  their 
work ;  and  through  their  means  America  has  become  justly 
famous  for  her  inventions  and  improvements.  Among  a  host 
of  things  that  might  be  mentioned,  it  is  undeniable  that  .the 
best  locks,  life-boats,  printing-presses,  and  agricultural  imple 
ments,  come  from  America. 

The  labor  of  opening  up  the  resources  of  a  new  country 
has  as  yet  left  the  people  of  the  United  States  little  time  and 
opportunity  for  cultivating  literature  and  the  arts.  Yet  we 
point  with  pride  to  our  metaphysician,  Edwards ;  our  lexi 
cographer,  Noah  Webster;  our  mathematicians,  Bowditch 
and  Rittenhouse ;  our  naturalists,  the  Audubons ;  our  novel 
ists,  Irving  and  Cooper ;  our  historians,  Prescott  and  Ban 
croft ;  our  poets,  Bryant  and  Longfellow;  our  sculptors, 
Powers  and  Greenough ;  our  painters,  Copley,  Stuart,  Trum- 
bull>  Yanderlyn,  Allston,  Peale,  and  Sully. 

If  there  is  one  thing,  on  which,  more  than  all  others,  Amer 
ica  may  pride  herself  and  found  high  hopes  of  stability  for 
her  glorious  institutions,  it  is  her  system  of  common  schools. 
She  offers  the  advantages  of  education  to  the  young  without 
money  and  without  price,  convinced  that  their  enlighten 
ment  is  her  best  safeguard.  She  seeks,  as  Webster  has  said, 
"  by  general  instruction  to  turn  the  strong  current  of  feeling 
and  opinion,  as  well  as  the  censures  of  the  law  and  the  de 
nunciations  of  religion,  against  immorality  and  crime".  That 
Bhe  may  succeed  in  thus  making  her  institutions  eternal  is 
the  prayer  of  every  friend  of  liberty. 


THE  DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE, 

PASSED  JULY  4, 1776. 


A  Declaration,  by  the  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America,  in 
Congress  assembled. 

WHEX,  in  the  course  of  human  events,  it  becomes  necessary  for  one  peo 
ple  to  dissolve  the  political  bands  which  have  connected  them  with  another, 
and  to  assume,  among  the  powers  of  the  earth,  the  separate  and  equal  station 
to  which  the  laws  of  nature  and  of  nature's  God  entitle  them,  a  decent  re 
spect  to  the  opinions  of  mankind  requires  that  they  should  declare  the  causes 
which  impel  them  to  the  separation. 

We  hold  these  truths  to  be  self-evident,  that  all  men  are  created  eqxial ; 
that  they  are  endowed  by  their  Creator  with  certain  unalienable  rights ;  that 
among  these,  are  life,  liberty,  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness.  That,  to  secure 
these  rights,  governments  are  instituted  among  men,  deriving  their  just  pow 
ers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed  ;  that,  whenever  any  form  of  govern 
ment  becomes  destructive  of  these  ends,  it  is  the  right  of  the  people  to  alter 
or  to  abolish  it,  and  to  institute  a  new  government,  laying  its  foundation  on 
such  principles,  and  organizing  its  powers  in  such  form,  as  t6  them  shall 
seem  most  likely  to  effect  their  safety  and  happiness.  Prudence,  indeed, 
will  dictate  that  governments  long  established,  should  not  be  changed  for 
light  and  transient  causes ;  and,  accordingly,  all  experience  hath  shown, 
that  mankind  are  more  disposed  to  suffer,  while  evils  are  sufferable,  than  to 
right  themselves  by  abolishing  the  forms  to  which  they  are  accustomed. 
But,  when  a  long  train  of  abuses  and  usurpations,  pursuing  invariably  the 
same  object,  evinces  a  design  to  reduce  them  under  absolute  despotism,  it  is 
their  right,  it  is  their  duty,  to  throw  off  such  government,  and  to  provide 
new  guards  for  their  future  security.  Such  has  been  the  patient  sufferance) 
of  these  colonies,  and  such  is  now  the  necessity  which  constrains  them  to 
alter  their  former  systems  of  government.  The  history  of  the  present  king, 
of  Great  Britain  is  a  history  of  repeated  injuries  and  usurpations,  all  having, 
in  direct  object,  the  establishment  of  an  absolute  tyranny  over  these  States. 
To  prove  this,  let  facts  be  submitted  to  a  candid  world  : 

He  has  refused  his  assent  to  laws  the  most  wholesome  and  necessary  for 
the  public  good. 


DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 

He  has  forbidden  his  Governors  to  pass  laws  of  immediate  and  pressing 
importance,  unless  suspended  in  their  operation  till  his  assent  should  be 
obtained ;  and,  when  so  suspended,  he  has  utterly  neglected  to  attend  to  them. 

He  has  refused  to  pass  other  laws  for  the  accommodation  of  large  dis 
tricts  of  people,  unless  those  people  would  relinquish  the  right  of  represen 
tation  in  the  legislature ;  a  right  inestimable  to  them,  and  formidable  to 
tyrants  only. 

He  has  c^led  together  legislative  bodies  at  places  unusual,  uncomfortable, 
and  distant  from'  the  depository  of  their  public  records,  for  the  sole  purpose 
of  fatiguing  them  into  compliance  with  his  measures. 

He  has  dissolved  representative  houses  repeatedly,  for  opposing,  with 
manly  firmness,  his  invasions  on  the  rights  of  the  people. 

He  has  refused,  for  a  long  time  after  such  dissolutions,  to  cause  others  to 
be  elected ;  whereby  the  legislative  powers,  incapable  of  annihilation,  have 
returned  to  the  people  at  large  for  their  exercise ;  the  State  remaining,  in 
the  mean  time,  exposed  to  all  the  danger  of  invasion  from  without,  and 
convulsions  within. 

He  has  endeavored  to  prevent  the  population  of  these  States ;  for  that 
purpose,  obstructing  the  laws  for  naturalization  of  foreigners ;  refusing  to 
pass  others  to  encourage  their  migration  hither,  and  raising  the  conditions 
of  new  appropriations  of  lands. 

He  has  obstructed  the  administration  of  justice,  by  refusing  his  assent  to 
laws  for  establishing  judiciary  powers. 

He  has  made  judges  dependent  on  his  will  alone,  for  the  tenure  of  their 
offices,  and  the  amount  and  payment  of  their  salaries. 

He  has  erected  a  multitude  of  new  offices,  and  sent  hither  swarms  of  offi 
cers  to  harass  our  people,  and  eat  out  their  substance. 

He  has  kept  among  us,  in  times  of  peace,  standing  armies,  without  the 
consent  of  our  legislature. 

He  has  affected  to  render  the  military  independent  of,  and  superior  to, 
the  civil  poApr. 

He  has  combined,  with  others,  to  subject  us  to  a  jurisdiction  foreign  to 
our  constitution,  and  unacknowledged  by  our  laws;  giving  his  assent  to 
their  acts  of  pretended  legislation  : 

For  quartering  large  bodies  of  armed  troops  among  us  : 

For  protecting  them,  by  a  mock  trial,  from  punishment,  for  any  murders 
which  they  should  commit  on  the  inhabitants  of  these  States : 

For  cutting  off  our  trade  with  all  parts  of  the  world : 

For  imposing  taxes  on  us  without  our  consent : 

For  depriving  us,  in  many  cases,  of  the  benefits  of  trial  by  jury : 

For  transporting  us  beyond  seas  to  be  tried  for  pretended  offences : 

For  abolishing  the  free  system  of  English  laws  in  a  neighboring  prov 
ince,  establishing  therein  an  arbitrary  government,  and  enlarging  its  boun 
daries,  so  as  to  rencRr  it  at  once  an  example  and  fit  instrument  for  introdu 
cing  the  same  absolute  rule  into  these  colonies  : 

For  taking  away  our  charters,  abolishing  our  most  valuable  laws,  and 
altering,  fundamentally,  the  powers  of  our  governments : 


DECLARATION    OF   INDEPENDENCE.  ill 

For  suspending  our  own  legislatures,  and  declaring  themselves  invested 
with  power  to  legislate  for  us  in  all  cases  whatsoever. 

He  has  abdicated  government  here,  by  declaring  us  out  of  his  protection, 
and  waging  war  against  us. 

He  has  plundered  our  seas,  ravaged  our  coasts,  burnt  our  towns,  and  de 
stroyed  the  lives  of  our  people. 

He  is,  at  this  time,  transporting  large  armies  of  foreign  mercenaries  to 
complete  the  works  of  death,  desolation,  and  tyranny,  already  begun,  with 
circumstances  of  cruelty  and  perfidy  scarcely  paralleled  in  the  most  barbar 
ous  ages,  and  totally  unworthy  the  head  of  a  civilized  nation. 

He  has  constrained  our  fellow-citizens,  taken  captive  on  the  high  seas, 
to  bear  arms  against  their  country,  to  become  the  executioners  of  their 
friends  and  brethren,  or  to  fall  themselves  by  their  hands. 

He  has  excited  domestic  insurrections  amongst  us,  and  has  endeavored 
to  bring  on  the  inhabitants  of  our  frontiers,  the  merciless  Indian  savages, 
whose  known  rule  of  warfare  is  an  undistinguished  destruction,  of  all  ages, 
sexes,  and  conditions. 

In  every  stage  of  these  oppressions,  we  have  petitioned  for  redress,  in 
the  most  humble  terms  ;  our  repeated  petitions  have  been  answered  only  by 
repeated  injury.  A  prince,  whose  character  is  thus  marked  by  every  act 
which  may  define  a  tyrant,  is  unfit  to  be  the  ruler  of  a  free  people. 

Nor  have  we  been  wanting  in  attention  to  our  British  brethren.  We  have 
warned  them,  from  time  to  time,  of  attempts  made  by  their  legislature  to 
extend  an  unwarrantable  jurisdiction  over  us.  We  have  reminded  them  of 
the  circumstances  of  our  emigration  and  settlement  here.  We  have  ap 
pealed  to  their  native  justice  and  magnanimity,  and  we  have  conjured  them, 
by  the  ties  of  our  common  kindred,  to  disavow  these  usurpations,  which 
would  inevitably  interrupt  our  connections  and  correspondence.  They,  too, 
have  been  deaf  to  the  voice  of  justice  and  consanguinity.  We  must,  there 
fore,  acquiesce  in  the  necessity,  which  denounces  our  separation,  and  hold 
them,  as  we  hold  the  rest  of  mankind,  enemies  in  war,  in  peace,  friends. 

We,  therefore,  the  representatives  of  the  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA, 
in  general  Congress  assembled,  appealing  to  the  Supreme  Judge  of  the 
World  for  the  rectitude  of  our  intentions,  do,  in  the  name,  and  by  the  au 
thority  of  the  good  people  of  these  colonies,  solemnly  publish  and  declare, 
That  these  United  Colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought  to  be,  FREE  AND  INDE 
PENDENT  STATES;  that  they  are  absolved  from  all  allegiance  to  the  British 
crown,  and  that  all  political  connection  between  them  and  the  state  of  Great 
Britain,  is,  and  ought  to  be,  totally  dissolved  ;  and  that,  as  free  and  independ 
ent  States,  they  have  full  power  to  levy  war,  conclude  peace,  contract  alliances, 
establish  commerce,  and  to  do  all  other  acts  and  things  which  independent 
States  may  of  right  do.  And,  for  the  support  of  this  declaration,  with  a  firm 
reliance  on  the  protection  of  Divine  Providence,  we  mutually  pledge  to  each 
other,  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and  our  sacred  honor. 


iV  DECLARATION   OF   INDEPENDENCE. 

[The  foregoing  declaration  was,  by  order  of  Congress, 
engrossed,  and  signed  by  the  following  members :] 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

New  Hampshire. — JOSIAH  BARTLETT,  WILLIAM  WHIPPLE,  MATTHEW  THORN 
TON. 

Massachusetts  Bay. — SAMUEL  ADAMS,  JOHN  ADAMS,  ROBERT  TREAT  PAINE, 
ELBRIDGE  GERRY. 

Rhode  Island. — STEPHEN  HOPKINS,  WILLIAM  ELLERT. 

Connecticut. — ROGER  SHERMAN,  SAMUEL  HUNTINGTON,  WILLIAM  WILLIAMS, 
OLIVER  WOLCOTT. 

New  York. — WILLIAM  FLOYD,  PHILIP  LIVINGSTON,  FRANCIS  LEWIS,  LEWIS 
MORRIS. 

New  Jersey. — RICHARD  STOCKTON,  JOHN  WITHERSPOON,  FRANCIS  HOPKIN- 
BON,  JOHN  HART,  ABRAHAM  CLARK. 

Pennsylvania. — ROBERT  MORRIS,  BENJAMIN  RUSH,  BENJAMIN  FRANKLIN, 
JOHN  MORTON,  GEORGE  CLYMER,  JAMES  SMITH,  GEORGE  TAYLOR,  JAMES  WIL 
SON,  GEORGE  Ross. 

Delaware. — CAESAR  RODNEY,  GEORGE  READ,  THOMAS  M'KEAN. 

Maryland. — SAMUEL  CHASE,  WILLIAM  PACA,  THOMAS  STONE,  CHARLES  CAR 
ROLL,  of  Carrollton. 

Virginia. — GEORGE  WYTHE,  RICHARD  HENRY  LEE,  THOMAS  JEFFERSON, 
BENJAMIN  HARRISON,  THOMAS  NELSON,  JUN.,  FRANCIS  LIGHTFOOT  LEE,  CARTER 
BRAXTON. 

North  Carolina. — WILLIAM  HOOPER,  JOSEPH  HEWES,  JOHN  PENN. 

South  Carolina. — EDWARD  RUTLEDGE,  THOMAS  HEYWARD,  JUN.,  THOMAS 
LYNCH,  JUN.,  ARTHUR  MIDDLETON. 

Georgia. — BUTTON  GWINNETT,  LYMAN  HALL,  GEORGE  WALTON. 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

UNITED   STATES  OF  AMERICA.* 


WE  the  People  of  the  United  States,  in  order  to  form  a  more  perfect  Union, 
establish  Justice,  insure  domestic  Tranquillity,  provide  for  the  common 
defence,  promote  the  general  Welfare,  and  secure  the  Blessings  of  Liberty 
to  ourselves  and  our  Posterity,  do  ordain  and  establish  this  CONSTITUTION 
for  the  United  States  of  America, 

ARTICLE.  I. 

SECTION.  1.  All  legislative  Powers  herein  granted  shall  be  vested  in  a 
Congress  of  the  United  States,  which  shall  consist  of  a  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives. 

SECTION.  2.  The  House  of  Representatives  shall  be  composed  of  Mem 
bers  chosen  every  second  Year  by  the  People  of  the  several  States,  and  the 
Electors  in  each  State  shall  have  the  Qualifications  requisite  for  Electors  of 
the  most  numerous  Branch  of  the  State  Legislature. 

No  Person  shall  be  a  Representative  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the 
Age  of  twenty  five  Years,  and  been  seven  Years  a  Citizen  of  the  United 
States,  and  who  shall  not,  when  elected,  be  an  Inhabitant  of  that  State  in 
which  he  shall  be  chosen. 

Representatives  and"  direct  Taxes  shall  be  apportioned  among  the  several 
States  which  may  ba-included  within  this  Union,  according  to  their  respec 
tive  Numbers,  which  shall  be  determined  by  adding  to  the  whole  Number  of 
free  Persons,  including  those  bound  to  Service  for  a  Term  of  Years,  and  ex 
cluding  Indians  not  taxed,  three  fifths  of  all  other  Persons.  The  actual  Enu 
meration  shall  be  made  within  three  Years  after  the  first  Meeting  of  the 
Congress  of  tfie  United  States,  and  within  every  subsequent  Term  of  ten 
Years,  in  such  Manner  as  they  shall  by  Law  direct.  The  Number  of  Repre 
sentatives  shall  not  exceed  one  for  every  thirty  Thousand,  but  each  State 
thall  have  at  Least  one  Representative  ;  and  until  such  enumeration  shall  be 
made,  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  shall  be  entitled  to  chuse  three,  Massa- 

*  In  punctuation,  spelling,  capitals,  etc.,  this  is  an  exact  copy  of  the  original  doc 
ument. 


il  CONSTITUTION   OF   THE   UNITED    STATES. 

chusetts  eight,  Rhode-Island  and  Providence  Plantations  one,  Connecticut 
five,  New-York  six,  New  Jersey  four,  Pennsylvania  eight,  Delaware  one,  Ma 
ryland  six,  Virginia  ten,  North  Carolina  five,  South  Carolina  five,  and  Geor 
gia  three. 

When  vacancies  happen  in  the  Representation  from  any  State,  the  Execu 
tive  Authority  thereof  shall  issue  Writs  of  Election  to  fill  such  Vacancies. 

The  House  of  Representatives  shall  chuse  their  Speaker  and  other  Offi 
cers  ;  and  shall  have  the  sole  Power  of  Impeachment. 

SECTION.  3.  The  Senate  of  the  United  States  shall  be  composed  of  two 
Senators  from  each  State,  chosen  by  the  Legislature  thereof,  for  six  Years ; 
and  each  Senator  shall  have  one  Vote. 

Immediately  after  they  shall  be  assembled  in  Consequence  of  the  first 
Election,  they  shall  be  divided  as  equally  as  may  be  into  three  Classes.  The 
Seats  of  the  Senators  of  the  first  Class  shall  be  vacated  at  the  Expiration  of 
the  second  Year,  of  the  second  Class  at  the  Expiration  of  the  fourth  Year 
and  of  the  third  Class  at  the  Expiration  of  the  sixth  Year,  so  that  one-third 
may  be  chosen  every  second  Year ;  and  if  Vacancies  happen  by  Resignation, 
or  otherwise,  during  the  Recess  of  the  Legislature  of  any  State,  the  Executive 
thereof  may  make  temporary  Appointments  until  the  next  Meeting  of  the 
Legislature,  which  shall  then  fill  such  Vacancies. 

No  Person  shall  be  a  Senator  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the  Age  of 
thirty  Years,  and  been  nine  Years  a  Citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  who 
shall  not,  when  elected,  be  an  Inhabitant  of  that  State  for  which  he  shall  be 
chosen. 

The  Vice  President  of  the  United  States  shall  be  President  of  the  Senate, 
but  shall  have  no  Vote,  unless  they  be  equally  divided. 

The  Senate  shall  chuse  their  other  Officers,  and  also  a  President  pro  tern- 
pore  in  the  Absence  of  the  Vice  President,  or  when  he  shall  exercise  the  Of 
fice  of  President  of  the  United  States. 

The  Senate  shall  have  the  sole  Power  to  try  all  Impeachments.  When 
sitting  for  that  Purpose,  they  shall  be  on  Oath  or  Affirmation.  When  the 
President  of  the  United  States  is  tried,  the  Chief  Justice  shall  preside:  And 
no  Person  shall  be  convicted  without  the  Concurrence  of  two  thirds  of  the 
Members  present. 

Judgment  in  Cases  of  Impeachment  shall  not  extend  further  than  to  re 
moval  from  Office,  and  Disqualification  to  hold  and  enjoy  any  Office  of  Hon 
our,  Trust  or  Profit  under  the  United  States  :  but  the  Party  convicted  shall 
nevertheless  be  liable  and  subject  to  Indictment,  Trial,  Judgment  and  Pun 
ishment,  according  to  Law. 

SECTION.  4.  The  Times,  Places  and  Manner  of  holding  Elections  for  Sen 
ators  and  Representatives,  shall  be  prescribed  in  each  State  by  the  Legisla 
ture  thereof;  but  the  Congress  may  at  any  time  by  Law  make  or  alter  such 
Regulations,  except  as  to  the  places  of  chusing  Senators. 

The  Congress  shall  assemble  at  least  once  in  every  Year,  and  such  Meet 
ing  shall  be  on  the  first  Monday  in  December,  unless  they  shall  by  Law  ap 
point  a  different  Day. 

SECTION.  5.    Each  House  shall  be  the  Judge  of  the  Elections,  Returns  and 


CONSTITUTION   OF   THE   UNITED    STATES.,  Ill 

Qualifications  of  its  own  Members,  and  a  Majority  of  each  shall  constitute  a 
Quorum  to  do  Business  ;  but  a  smaller  Number  may  adjourn  from  day  to  day, 
and  may  be  authorized  to  compel  the  Attendance  of  absent  Members,  in  such 
Manner,  and  under  such  Penalties  as  each  House  may  provide. 

Each  House  may  determine  the  Rules  of  its  Proceedings,  punish  its  Mem 
bers  for  disorderly  Behaviour,  and,  with  the  Concurrence  of  two  thirds,  expel 
a  Member. 

Each  House  shall  keep  a  Journal  of  its  Proceedings,  and  from  time  to 
time  publish  the  same,  excepting  such  Parts  as  may  in  their  Judgment  re 
quire  Secrecy  ;  and  the  Yeas  and  Nays  of  the  Members  of  -either  House  on 
any  question  shall,  at  the  Desire  of  one  fifth  of  those  Present,  be  entered  on 
the  Journal. 

Neither  House,  during  the  Session  of  Congress,  shall,  without  the  Consent 
of  the  other,  adjourn  for  more  than  three  days,  nor  to  any  other  Place  than 
that  in  which  the  two  Houses  shall  be  sitting. 

SECTION.  6.  The  Senators  and  Representatives  shall  receive  a  Compensa 
tion  for  their  Services,  to  be  ascertained  by  Law,  and  paid  out  of  the  Treas 
ury  of  the  United  States.  They  shall  in  all  Cases,  except  Treason,  Felony 
and  Breach  of  the  Peace,  be  privileged  from  Arrest  during  their  Attendance 
at  the  Session  of  their  respective  Houses,  and  in  going  to  and  returning  from 
the  same ;  and  for  any  Speech  or  Debate  in  either  House,  they  shall  not  be 
questioned  in  any  other  Place. 

No  Senator  or  Representative  shall,  during  the  Time  for  which  he  was 
elected,  be  appointed  to  any  civil  Office  under  the  Authority  of  the  United 
States,  which  shall  have  been  created,  or  the  Emoluments  whereof  shall  have 
been  increased  during  such  time ;  and  no  Person  holding  any  Office  under 
the  United  States,  shall  be  a  Member  of  either  House  during  his  Continuance 
in  Office. 

SECTION.  7.  All  Bills  for  raising  Revenue  shall  originate  in  the  House  of 
Representatives  ;  but  the  Senate  may  propose  or  concur  with  Amendments 
as  on  other  Bills. 

Every  Bill  which  shall  have  passed  the  House  of  Representatives  and  the 
Senate,  shall,  before  it  become  a  Law,  be  presented  to  the  President  of  the 
United  States ;  If  he  approve  he  shall  sign  it,  but  if  not  he  shall  return  it, 
with  his  Objections  to  that  House  in  which  it  shall  have  originated,  who 
shall  enter  the  Objections  at  large  on  their  Journal,  and  proceed  to  reconsider 
it.  If  after  such  Reconsideration  two  thirds  of  that  House  shall  agree  to  pass 
the  Bill,  it  shall  be  sent,  together  with  the  Objections,  to  the  other  House,  by 
which  it  shall  likewise  be  reconsidered,  and  if  approved  by  two  thirds  of 
that  House,  it  shall  become  a  Law.  But  in  all  such  Cases,  the  Votes  of  both 
Houses  shall  be  determined  by  yeas  and  Nays,  and  the  Names  of  the  Per 
sons  voting  for  and  against  the  Bill  shall  be  entered  on  the  Journal  of  each 
House  respectively.  If  any  Bill  shall  not  be  returned  by  the  President  with 
in  ten  Days  (Sundays  excepted)  after  it  shall  have  been  presented  to  him, 
the  Same  shall  be  a  law,  in  like  Manner  as  if  he  had  signed  it,  unless  the 
Congress  by  their  Adjournment  prevent  its  Return,  in  which  Case  it  shall 
not  be  a  Law. 


IV  CONSTITUTION   OF   THE   UNITED    STATES. 

Every  Order,  Resolution,  or  Vote  to  which  the  Concurrence  of  the  Senate 
and  House  of  Representatives  may  be  necessary  (except  on  a  question  of  Ad 
journment)  shall  be  presented  to  the  President  of  the  United  States ;  and 
before  the  Same  shall  take  Effect,  shall  be  approved  by  him,  or  being  dis 
approved  by  him,  shall  be  repassed  by  two  thirds  of  the  Senate  and  House 
of  Representatives,  according  to  the  Rules  and  Limitations  prescribed  in  the 
Case  of  a  Bill. 

SECTION.  8.     The  Congress  shall  have  Power 

To  lay  and  collect  Taxes,  Duties,  Imposts  and  Excises,  to  pay  the  Debts 
and  provide  foi*  the  common  Defence  and  general  Welfare  of  the  United 
States  ;  but  all  Duties,  Imposts  and  Excises  shall  be  uniform  throughout  the 
United  States ; 

To  borrow  Money  on  the  credit  of  the  United  States  ; 

To  regulate  Commerce  with  foreign  Nations,  and  among  the  several  States, 
and  with  the  Indian  Tribes ; 

To  establish  an  uniform  Rule  of  Naturalization,  and  uniform  Laws  on  the 
subject  of  Bankruptcies  throughout  the  United  States  ; 

To  coin  Money,  regulate  the  Value  thereof,  and  of  foreign  Coin,  and  fix 
the  Standard  of  Weights  and  Measures ; 

To  provide  for  the  Punishment  of  counterfeiting  the  Securities  and  cur 
rent  Coin  of  the  United  States  ; 

To  establish  Post  Offices  and  post  Roads ; 

To  promote  the  progress  of  Science  and  useful  Arts,  by  securing  for  lim 
ited  Times  to  Authors  and  Inventors  the  exclusive  Right  to  their  respective 
Writings  and  Discoveries ; 

To  constitute  Tribunals  inferior  to  the  supreme  Court ; 

To  define  and  punish  Piracies  and  Felonies  committed  on  the  high  Seas, 
and  Offences  against  the  Law  of  Nations ; 

To  declare  War,  grant  Letters  of  Marque  and  Reprisal,  and  make  Rules 
concerning  Captures  on  Land  and  Water ; 

To  raise  and  support  Armies,  but  no  Appropriation  of  Money  to  that  Use 
shall  be  for  a  longer  Term  than  two  Years ; 

To  provide  and  maintain  a  Navy ; 

To  make  Rules  for  the  Government  and  Regulation  of  the  land  and  naval 
Forces ; 

To  provide  for  calling  forth  the  Militia  to  execute  the  Laws  of  the  Union, 
suppress  Insurrections  and  repel  Invasions  ; 

To  provide  for  organizing,  arming,  and  disciplining,  the  Militia,  and  for 
governing  such  Part  of  them  as  may  be  employed  in  the  Service  of  the  Uni 
ted  States,  reserving  to  the  States  respectively,  the  Appointment  of  the  Offi 
cers,  and  the  Authority  of  training  the  Militia  according  to  the  Discipline 
prescribed  by  Congress ; 

To  exercise  exclusive  Legislation  in  all  Cases  whatsoever,  over  such  Dis 
trict  (not  exceeding  ten  Miles  square)  as  may,  by  Cession  of  particular 
States,  and  the  Acceptance  of  Congress,  become  the  Seat  of  the  Government 
of  the  United  States,  and  to  exercise  like  Authority  over  all  Places  purchased 
by  the  Consent  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  in  which  the  Same  shall  be, 


CONSTITUTION    OF   THE   UNITED    STATES.  V 

for  the  Erection  of  Forts,  Magazines,  Arsenals,  Dock-Yards,  and  other  need 
ful  Buildings ; — And 

To  make  all  Laws  which  shall  be  necessary  and  proper  for  carrying  into 
Execution  the  foregoing  Powers,  and  all  other  Powers  vested  by  this  Consti 
tution  in  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  or  in  any  Department  or  Otii- 
cer  thereof.  •'•  •£.••• 

SECTION.  9.  The  Migration  or  Importation  of  such  Persons  as  any  of  the 
States  now  existing  shall  think  proper  to  admit,  shall  not  be  prohibited  by 
the  Congress  prior  to  the  Year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eight,  but  a 
Tax  or  Duty  may  be  imposed  on  such  Importation,  not  exceeding  ten  dollars 
for  each  Person. 

The  Privilege  of  the  Writ  of  Habeas  Corpus  shall  not  be  suspended,  un 
less  when  in  Cases  of  Rebellion  or  Invasion  the  public  Safety  may  require  it. 

No  Bill  of  Attainder  or  ex  post  facto  Law  shall  be  passed. 

No  Capitation,  or  other  Direct,  Tax  shall  be  laid,  unless  in  Proportion  to 
the  Census  or  Enumeration  herein  before  directed  to  be  taken. 

No  Tax  or  Duty  shall  be  laid  on  Articles  exported  from  any  State. 

No  Preference  shall  be  given  by  any  Regulation  of  Commerce  or  Revenue 
to  the  Ports  of  one  State  over  those  of  another :  nor  shall  Vessels  bound  to, 
or  from,  one  State*  be  obliged  to  enter,  clear,  or  pay  Duties  in  another. 

No  Money  shall  be  drawn  from  the  Treasury,  but  in  Consequence  of  Ap 
propriations  made  by  Law  ;  and  a  regular  Statement  and  Account  of  the  Re 
ceipts  and  Expenditures  of  all  public  Money  shall  be  published  from  time  to 
time. 

No  Title  of  Nobility  shall  be  granted  by  the  United  States  :  And  no  Per 
son  holding  any  Office  of  Profit  or  Trust  under  them,  shall,  without  the  Con 
sent  of  the  Congress,  accept  of  any  present,  Emolument,  Office,  or  Title,  of 
any  kind  whatever,  from  any  King,  Prince,  or  foreign  St:ite. 

SECTION.  10.  No  State  shall  enter  into  any  Treaty,  Alliance,  or  Confede 
ration  ;  grant  Letters  of  Marque  and  Reprisal ;  coin  Money ;  emit  Bills  of 
Credit ;  make  any  Thing  but  gold  and  silver  Coin  a  Tender  in  Payment  ot 
Debts ;  pass  any  Bill  of  Attainder,  ex  post  facto  Law,  or  Law  impairing  the 
Obligation  of  Contracts,  or  grant  any  Title  of  Nobility. 

No  State  shall,  without  the  consent  of  the  Congress,  lay  any  Imposts  or 
Duties  on  Imports  or  Exports,  except  what  may  be  absolutely  necessary  for 
executing  it'sjnspection  Laws :  and  the  net  Produce  of  all  Duties  and  Im 
posts,  laid  by  any  State  on  Imports  or  Exports,  shall  be  for  the  Use  of  the 
Treasury  of  the  United  States ;  and  all  such  Laws  shall  be  subject  to  the 
Revision  and  Controul  of  the  Congress. 

No  State  shall,  without  the  Consent  of  Congress,  lay  any  Duty  of  Tonnage, 
keep  Troops,  or  Ships  of  War  in  Time  of  Peace,  enter  into  any  Agreement  or 
Compact  with  another  State,  or  with  a  foreign  Power,  or  engage  in  War,  un 
less  actually  invaded,  or  in  such  imminent  Danger  as  will  not  admit  of  Delay. 

ARTICLE.  II. 

SECTION.  1.  The  executive  Power  shall  be  vested  in  a  President  of  the 
United  States  of  America.  He  shall  hold  his  Office  during  the  Term  of  four 


VI  CONSTITUTION   OF   THE   UNITED    STATES. 

Years,  and,  together  with  the  Vice  President,  chosen  for  the  same  Term,  be 
elected,  as  follows 

Each  State  shall  appoint,  in  such  Manner  as  the  Legislature  thereof  may 
direct,  a  Number  of  Electors,  equal  to  the  whole  number  of  Senators  and 
Representatives  to  which  the  State  may  be  entitled  in  the  Congress :  but  no 
Senator  or  Representative,  or  Person  holding  an  Office  of  Trust  or  Profit  un 
der  the  United  States,  shall  be  appointed  an  Elector, 

[*  The  Electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  States,  and  vote  bv  Ballot 
for  two  Persons,  of  whom  one  at  least  shall  not  be  an  Inhabitant  of  the  same 
State  with  themselves.  And  they  shall  make  a  List  of  all  the  Persons  voted 
for,  and  of  the  Number  of  Votes  for  each  ;  which  List  they  shall  sign  and  cer 
tify,  and  transmit  sealed  to  the  Seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States, 
directed  to  the  President  of  the  Senate.  The  President  of  the  Senate  shall, 
in  the  Presence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  open  all  the  Cer 
tificates,  and  the  Votes  shall  then  be  counted.  The  Person  having  the  great 
est  Number  of  Votes  shall  be  the  President,  if  such  Number  be  a  Majority  of 
the  whole  Number  of  Electors  appointed ;  and  if  there  be  more  than  one 
who  have  such  Majority,  and  have  an  equal  Number  of  Votes,  then  the  House 
of  Representatives  shall  immediately  chuse  by  Ballot  one  of  them  for  Presi 
dent  ;  and  if  no  Person  have  a  Majority,  then  from  the  five  highest  on  the  List 
the  said  House  shall  in  like  Manner  chuse  the  President.  But  in  chusing  the 
President,  the  Votes  shall  be  taken  by  States,  the  Representation  from  each 
State  having  one  Vote ;  A  Quorum  for  this  Purpose  shall  consist  of  a  Member 
or  Members  from  twothirds  of  the  States,  and  a  Majority  of  all  the  States 
shall  be  necessary  to  a  Choice.  In  every  Case,  after  the  Choice  of  the  Presi 
dent,  the  Person  having  the  greatest  Number  of  Votes  of  the  Electors  shall  be 
the  Vice  President.  But  if  there  should  remain  two  or  more  who  have  equal 
Votes,  the  Senate  shall  chuse  from  them  by  Ballot  the  Vice  President.] 

The  Congress  may  determine  the  Time  of  Chusing  the  Electors,  and  the 
Day  on  which  they  shall  give  their  Votes ;  which  Day  shall  be  the  same 
throughout  the  United  States. 

No  Person  except  a  natural  born  Citizen,  or  a  Citizen  of  the  United  States, 
at  the  time  of  the  Adoption  of  this  Constitution,  shall  be  eligible  to  the  Office 
of  President ;  neither  shall  any  Person  be  eligible  to  that  Office  who  shall 
not  have  attained  to  the  Age  of  thirty  five  Years,  and  been  fourteen  Years  a 
Resident  within  the  United  States. 

In  Case  of  the  Removal  of  the  President  from  Office,  or  of  his  Death,  Re 
signation,  or  Inability  to  discharge  the  Powers  and  Duties  of  the  said  Office, 
the  same  shall  devolve  on  the  Vice  President,  and  the  Congress  may  by  Law 
provide  for  the  Case  of  Removal,  Death,  Resignation,  or  Inability,  both  of  the 
President  and  Vice  President,  declaring  what  Officer  shall  then  act  as  Presi 
dent,  and  such  Officer  shall  act  accordingly,  until  the  Disability  be  removed, 
or  a  President  shall  be  elected. 

The  President  shall,  at  stated  Times,  receive  for  his  Services,  a  Compen 
sation,  which  shall  neither  be  encreased  nor  diminished  during  the  Period  for 
which  he  shall  have  been  elected,  and  he  shall  not  receive  within  that  Period 
any  other  Emolument  from  the  United  States,  or  any  of  them. 

*  This  clause  within  brackets  has  been  superseded  and  annulled  by  the  12th 
amendment,  on  page  zii. 


CONSTITUTION    OF   THE   UNITED   STATES.  Vll 

Before  he  enter  on  the  Execution  of  his  Office,  he  shall  take  the  following 
Oath  or  Affirmation  : — 

"I  do  solemnly  swear  (or  affirm)  that  I  will  faithfully  execute  the  Office 
"  of  President  of  the  United  States,  and  will  to  the  best  of  my  Ability,  pre- 
"  serve,  protect  and  defend  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States. 

SECTION.  2.  The  President  shall  be  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Army 
and  Navy  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  Militia  of  the  several  States,  when 
called  into  the  actual  Service  of  the  United  States  ;  he  may  require  the  Opin 
ion,  in  writing,  of  the  principal  Officer  in  each  of  the  executive  Departments, 
upon  any  subject  relating  to  the  Duties  of  their  respective  Offices,  and  he 
shall  have  Power  to  grant  Reprieves  and  Pardons  for  Offences  against  the 
United  States,  except  in  Cases  of  Impeachment. 

He  shall  have  Power,  by  and  with  the  Advice  and  Consent  of  the  Senate, 
to  make  Treaties,  provided  two  thirds  of  the  Senators  present  concur ;  and 
he  shall  nominate,  and  by  and  with  the  Advice  and  Consent  of  the  Senate, 
shall  appoint  Ambassadors,  other  public  Ministers  and  Consuls,  Judges  of 
the  supreme  Court,  and  all  other  Officers  of  the  United  States,  whose  Ap 
pointments  are  not  herein  otherwise  provided  for,  and  which  shall  be  estab 
lished  by  Law  :  but  the  Congress  may  by  Law  vest  the  Appointment  of  such 
inferior  Officers,  as  they  think  proper,  in  the  President  alone,  in  the  Courts 
of  Law,  or  in  the  Heads  of  Departments. 

The  President  shall  have  Power  to  fill  up  all  Vacancies  that  may  happen 
during  the  Recess  of  the  Senate,  by  granting  Commissions  which  shall  ex 
pire  at  the  End  of  their  next  Session. 

SECTION.  3.  He  shall  from  time  to  time  give  to  the  Congress  Information 
of  the  State  of  the  Union,  and  recommend  to  their  Consideration  such  Meas 
ures  as  he  shall  judge  necessary  and  expedient;  he  may,  on  extraordinary 
Occasions,  convene  both  Houses,  or  either  of  them,  and  in  Case  of  Disagree 
ment  between  them,  with  Respect  to  the  Time  of  Adjournment,  he  may  ad 
journ  them  to  such  Time  as  he  shall  think  proper ;  he  shall  receive  Ambassa 
dors  and  other  public  Ministers ;  he  shall  take  Care  that  the  Laws  be  faith 
fully  executed,  and  shall  Commission  all  the  officers  of  the  United  States. 

SECTION.  4.  The  President,  Vice  President  and  all  civil  Officers  of  the 
United  States,  shall  be  removed  from  Office  on  Impeachment  for,  and  Con 
viction  of,  Treason,  Bribery,  or  other  high  Crimes  and  Misdemeanors. 

ARTICLE.  III. 

SECTION.  1.  The  judicial  Power  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  vested  in 
one  supreme  Court,  and  in  such  inferior  Courts  as  the  Congress  may  from 
time  to  time  ordain  and  establish.  The  Judges,  both  of  the  supreme  and  in 
ferior  Courts,  shall  hold  their  Offices  during  good  Behavior,  and  shall,  at 
stated  Times,  receive  for  their  Services,  a  Compensation,  which  shall  not  be 
diminished  during  their  Continuance  in  Office. 

SECTION.  2.  The  judicial  Power  shall  extend  to  all  Cases,  in  Law  and 
Equity,  arising  under  this  Constitution,  the  Laws  of  the  United  States,  and 
Treaties  made,  or  which  shall  be  made,  under  their  Authority  ; — to  all  Cases 
affecting  Ambassadors,  other  public  Ministers,  and  Consuls ; — to  all  Cases  of 


CONSTITUTION   OF   THE    UNITED  STATES. 

admiralty  and  maritime  Jurisdiction  ; — to  Controversies  to  which  the  United 
States  shall  be  a  Party ; — to  Controversies  between  two  or  more  States  ; — be 
tween  a  State  and  Citizens  of  another  State ; — between  Citizens  of  different 
States, — between  Citizens  of  the  same  State  claiming  Lands  under  Grants  of 
different  States,  and  between  a  State,  or  the  Citizens  thereof,  and  foreign 
States,  Citizens  or  Subjects. 

In  all  Cases  affecting  Ambassadors,  other  public  Ministers  and  Consuls, 
and  those  in  which  a  State  shall  be  Party,  the  supreme  Court  shall  have 
original  Jurisdiction.  In  all  the  other  Cases  before  mentioned,  the  supreme 
Court  shall  have  appellate  Jurisdiction,  both  as  to  Law  and  Fact,  with  such 
Exceptions,  and  under  such  Regulations  as  the  Congress  shall  make. 

The  Trial  of  all  Crimes,  except  in  Cases  of  Impeachment,  shall  be  by 
Jury  ;  and  such  Trial  shall  be  held  in  the  State  where  the  said  Crimes  shall 
have  been  committed ;  but  when  not  committed  within  any  State,  the  Trial 
shall  be  at  such  Place  or  Places  as  the  Congress  may  by  Law  have  directed. 

SECTION.  3.  Treason  against  the  United  States,  shall  consist  only  in 
levying  War  against  them,  or  in  adhering  to  their  Enemies,  giving  them 
Aid  and  Comfort.  No  Person  shall  be  convicted  of  Treason  unless  on  the 
Testimony  of  two  "Witnesses  to  the  same  overt  Act,  or  on  Confession  in  open 
Court. 

The  Congress  shall  have  Power  to  declare  the  Punishment  of  Treason, 
but  no  Attainder  of  Treason  shall  work  Corruption  of  Blood,  or  Forfeiture 
except  during  the  Life  of  the  Person  attainted. 

ARTICLE.  IY. 

SECTION.  1.  Full  Faith  and  Credit  shall  be  given  in  each  State  to  the 
public  Acts,  Records,  and  judicial  Proceedings  of  every  other  State.  And 
the  Congress  may  by  general  Laws  prescribe  the  Manner  in  which  such  Acts, 
Records  and  Proceedings  shall  be  proved,  and  the  Effect  thereof. 

SECTION.  2.  The  Citizens  of  each  State  shall  be  entitled  to  all  Privileges 
and  Immunities  of  Citizens  in  the  several  States. 

A  Person  charged  in  any  State  with  Treason,  Felony,  or  other  Cnme, 
who  shall  flee  from  Justice,  and  be  found  in  another  State,  shall  on  Demand 
of  the  executive  Authority  of  the  State  from  which  he  fled,  be  delivered  up, 
to  be  removed  to  the  State  having  Jurisdiction  of  the  Crime. 

No  Person  held  to  Service  or  Labour  in  one  State,  under  the  Laws  there 
of,  escaping  into  another,  shall,  in  Consequence  of  any  Law  or  Regulation 
therein,  be  discharged  from  such  Service  or  Labour,  but  shall  be  delivered 
up  on  Claim  of  the  Party  to  whom  such  Service  or  Labour  may  be  due. 

SECTION.  3.  New  States  may  be  admitted  by  the  Congress  into  this 
Union ;  but  no  new  State  shall  be  formed  or  erected  within  the  Jurisdiction 
of  any  other  State  ;  nor  any  State  be  formed  by  the  Junction  of  two  or  more 
States,  or  Parts  of  States,  without  the  Consent  of  the  Legislatures  of  the 
States  concerned  as  well  as  of  the  Congress. 

The  Congress  shall  have  Power  to  dispose  of  and  make  all  needful 
Kules  and  Regulations  respecting  the  Territory  or  other  Property  belong 
ing  to  the  United  States;  and  nothing  in  this  Constitution  shall  b«  so 


CONSTITUTION   OF   THE   UNITED    STATES.  IX 

construed  as  to  Prejudice  any  Claims  of  the  United  States,  or  of  any  partic 
ular  State. 

SECTION.  4.  The  United  States  shall  guarantee  to  every  State  in  this 
Union  a  Republican  Form  of  Government,  and  shall  protect  each  of  them 
against  Invasion  ;  and  on  Application  of  the  Legislature,  or  of  the  Executive 
(when  the  Legislature  cannot  be  convened)  against  domestic  Violence. 

ARTICLE.  V. 

The  Congress,  whenever  two  thirds  of  both  Houses  shall  deem  it  necessa 
ry,  shall  propose  Amendments  to  this  Constitution,  or,  on  the  Application  of 
the  Legislatures  of  two  thirds  of  the  several  States,  shall  call  a  Convention 
for  proposing  Amendments,  which,  in  either  Case,  shall  be  valid  to  all  In 
tents  and  Purposes,  as  Part  of  this  Constitution,  when  ratified  by  the  Legis 
latures  of  three  fourths  of  the  several  States,  or  by  Conventions  in  three 
fourths  thereof,  as  the  one  or  the  other  Mode  of  Ratification  may  be  proposed 
by  the  Congress ;  Provided  that  no  Amendment  which  may  be  made  prior  to 
the  Year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eight  shall  in  any  Manner  affect 
the  first  and  fourth  Clauses  in  the  Ninth  Section  of  the  first  Article ;  and 
that  no  State,  without  its  Consent,  shall  be  deprived  of  its  equal  Suffrage  in 
the  Senate. 

ARTICLE.  VI. 

All  Debts  contracted  and  Engagements  entered  into,  before  the  Adoption 
of  this  Constitution,  shall  be  as  valid  against  the  United  States  under  this 
Constitution,  as  under  the  Confederation. 

This  Constitution,  and  the  Laws  of  the  United  States  which  shall  be 
made  in  Pursuance  thereof;  and  all  Treaties  made,  or  which  shall  be  made, 
under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  the  supreme  Law  of  the 
Land ;  and  the  Judges  in  every  State  shall  be  bound  thereby,  any  Thing  in 
the  Constitution  or  Laws  of  any  State  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding. 

The  Senators  and  Representatives  before  mentioned,  and  the  Members  of 
the  several  State  Legislatures,  and  all  executive  and  judicial  Officers,  both  of 
the  United  States  and  of  the  several  States,  shall  be  Ibound  by  Oath  or  Affir 
mation,  to  support  this  Constitution ;  but  no  religious  Test  shall  ever  be  re 
quired  as  a  Qualification  to  any  Office  or  public  Trust  under  the  United  States. 

ARTICLE.  VII. 

The  Ratification  of  the  Conventions  of  nine  States,  shall  be  sufficient  for 
the  Establishment  of  this  Constitution  between  the  States  so  ratifying  the 
Same. 

DONE  in  Convention  by  the  Unanimous  Consent  of  the  States  present  the 
Seventeenth  Day  of  September  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  Eighty  seven  and  of  the  Independance  of  the  United 
States  of  America  the  Twelfth  In  Witness  whereof  We  have  here 
unto  subscribed  our  Names, 

GEO  WASHINGTON— 
Prcsidt  and  deputy  from  Virginia 


X  CONSTITUTION   OF  THE  UNITED   STATES. 

New  Hampshire.— 3om*  LANGDON,  NICHOLAS  OILMAN. 

Massachusetts. — NATHANIEL  GORHAM,  RUFUS  KING. 

Connecticut. — WM.  SAML.  JOHNSON,  ROGER  SHERMAN. 

New  York. — ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

New  Jersey. — WIL  :  LIVINGSTON,  WM.  PATERSON,  DAVID  BREARLEY,  JONA, 
DAYTON. 

Pennsylvania. — B.  FRANKLIN,  ROBT.  MORRIS,  THO  :  FITZSIMONS,  JAMES 
WILSON,  THOMAS  MIFFLIN,  GEO  :  CLYMER,  JARED  INGERSOLL,  Gouv  :  MORRIS. 

Delaware. — GEO  :  READ,  JOHN  DICKINSON,  JACO  :  BROOM,  GUNNING  BED 
FORD,  Jun'r,  RICHARD  BASSETT, 

Maryland. — JAMES  M'HENRY,  DANL.  CARROLL,  DAN:  OF  ST.  THOS.  JEN 
IFER. 

Virginia. — JOHN  BLAIR,  JAMES  MADISON,  Jr., 

North  Carolina. — WM.  BLOUNT,  Hu.  WILLIAMSON.  RICH'D  DOBES  SPAIGHT, 

South  Carolina. — J.  RUTLEDGE,  CHARLES  PINCKNEY,  CHARLES  COTESWORTH 
PINCKNEY  PIERCE  BUTLER. 

Georgia. — WILLIAM  FEW,  ABR.  BALDWIN. 


Attest: 


WILLIAM  JACKSON,  Secretary. 


•  The  Constitution  was  adopted  on  the  17th  September,  1787,  by  the  Con 
vention  appointed  in  pursuance  of  the  resolution  of  the  Congress  of  the  Con 
federation,  of  the  21st  February,  1787,  and  was  ratified  by  the  Conventions 
of  the  several  States,  as  follows,  viz. : 


By  Convt 
ft 

u 
tt 

tt 

M 

tt                   4 
«                   4 
tt                   t 
ti                   t 
4i                 4 

ntion  of  Delaware,             on 
*  Pennsylvania, 
New  Jersey, 
Georgia, 
Connecticut, 
Massachusetts, 
Maryland, 
South  Carolina, 
New  Hampshire, 
*              Virginia, 
*              New  York, 
*              North  Carolina,       ' 
•              Rhode  Island,          ' 

the   7th  December,  1787. 
12th  December,  1787. 
18th  December,  1787, 
2d  January,     1788. 
9th  January,     1788. 
6th  February,   1788. 
28th  April,          1788. 
23d  May,            1788. 
21st  June,          1788. 
<       26th  June,           1788. 
'       26th  July,           1788, 
<       21st  November,  1789. 
'       29th  May,            1790. 

ARTICLES 

IN  ADDITION  TO,  AND  AMENDMENT  OP, 
THE    CONSTITUTION 

OP  THE 

UNITED   STATES   OF  AMEKICA, 

Proposed  by  Congress,  and  ratified  by  the  Legislatures  of  the  several  States, 
pursuant  to  the  fifth  article  of  the  original  Constitution. 

(ARTICLE  1.) 

Congress  shall  make  no  law  respecting  an  establishment  of  religion,  or 
prohibiting  the  free  exercise  thereof;  or  abridging  the  freedom  of  speech,  or 
of  the  press  ;  or  of  the  right  of  the  people  peaceably  to  assemble,  and  to  pe 
tition  the  Government  for  a  redress  of  grievances. 

(ARTICLE  2.) 

A  well  regulated  Militia,  being  necessary  to  the  security  of  a  free  State, 
the  right  of  the  people  to  keep  and  bear  Arms,  shall  not  be  infringed. 

(ARTICLE  III.) 

No  Soldier  shall,  in  time  of  peace  be  quartered  in  any  house,  without  the 
consent  of  the  Owner,  nor  in  time  of  war,  but  in  a  manner  to  be  prescribed 
by  law. 

(ARTICLE  IV.) 

The  right  of  the  people  to  be  secure  in  their  persons,  houses,  papers,  and 
effects,  against  unreasonable  searches  and  seizures,  shall  not  be  violated, 
and  no  Warrants  shall  issue,  but  upon  probable  cause,  supported  by  Oath  or 
affirmation,  and  particularly  describing  the  place  to  be  searched,  and  the 
persons  or  things  to  be  seized. 

(ARTICLE  V.) 

No  person  shall  be  held  to  answer  for  a  capital,  or  otherwise  infamous 
crime,  unless  on  a  presentment  or  indictment  of  a  Grand  Jury,  except  in  cases 
arising  in  the  land  or  naval  forces,  or  in  the  Militia,  when  in  actual  service 
in  time  of  War  or  public  danger ;  nor  shall  any  person  be  subject  for  the 


Xll  CONSTITUTION   OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

same  offence  to  be  twice  put  in  jeopardy  of  life  or  limb ;  nor  shall  be  com 
pelled  in  any  Criminal  Case  to  be  a  witness  against  himself,  nor  be  deprived 
of  life,  liberty,  or  property,  without  due  process  of  law ;  nor  shall  private 
property  be  taken  for  public  use,  without  just  compensation. 

(ARTICLE  VI.) 

In  all  criminal  prosecutions,  the  accused  shall  enjoy  the  right  to  a  speedy 
and  public  trial,  by  an  impartial  jury  of  the  State  and  district  wherein  the 
crime  shall  have  been  committed,  which  district  shall  have  been  previously 
ascertained  by  law,  and  to  be  informed  of  the  nature  and  cause  of  the  accu- 
eation ;  to  be  confronted  with  the  witnesses  against  him ;  to  have  Compul 
sory  process  for  obtaining  Witnesses  in  his  favour,  and  to  have  the  Assistance 
of  Counsel  for  his  defence. 

(ARTICLE  VII.) 

In  Suits  at  common  law,  where  the  value  in  controversy  shall  exceed 
twenty  dollars,  the  right  of  trial  by  jury  shall  be  preserved,  and  no  fact  tried 
by  a  jury  shall  be  otherwise  re-examined  in  any  Court  of  the  United  States, 
than  according  to  the  rules  of  the  common  law. 

(ARTICLE  VIII.) 

Excessive  bail  shall  not  be  required,  nor  excessive  fines  imposed,  nor 
cruel  and  unusual  punishments  inflicted. 

(ARTICLE  IX.) 

The  enumeration  in  the  Constitution,  of  certain  rights,  shall  not  be  con 
strued  to  deny  or  disparage  others  retained  by  the  people. 

(ARTICLE  X.) 

The  powers  not  delegated  to  the  United  States  by  the  Constitution,  nor 
prohibited  by  it  to  the  States,  are  reserved  to  the  States  respectively,  or  to 
the  people. 

ARTICLE  XI. 

The  Judicial  power  of  the  United  States  shall  not  be  construed  to  extend 
to  any  suit  in  law  or  equity,  commenced  or  prosecuted  against  one  of  the 
United  States  by  Citizens  of  another  State,  or  by  Citizens  or  Subjects  of  any 
Foreign  State. 

ARTICLE  XII. 

The  Electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  States,  and  vote  by  ballot  for 
President  and  Vice  President,  one  of  whom,  at  least,  shall  not  be  an  inhab 
itant  of  the  same  state  with  themselves ;  they  shall  name  in  their  ballots  the 
person  voted  for  as  President,  and  in  distinct  ballots  the  person  voted  for  as 
Vice-President,  and  they  shall  make  distinct  lists  of  all  persons  voted  for  as 
President,  and  of  all  persons  voted  for  as  Vice-President,  and  of  the  number 


CONSTITUTION    OF   THE    UNITED    STATES.  Xlli 

of  votes  for  each,  which  lists  they  shall  sign  and  certify,  and  transmit  sealed 
to  the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  directed  to  the  President 
of  the  Senate ; — The  President  of  the  Senate  shall,  in  presence  of  the  Senate 
and  House  of  Representatives,  open  all  the  certificates  and  the  votes  shall 
then  be  counted  ; — The  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  for  Pres 
ident,  shall  be  the  President,  if  such  number  be  a  majority  of  the  whole  num 
ber  of  Electors  appointed  ;  and  if  no  person  have  such  majority,  then  from 
the  persons  having  the  highest  numbers  not  exceeding  three  on  the  list  of 
those  voted  for  as  President,  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  choose  im 
mediately,  by  ballot,  the  President.  But  in  choosing  the  President,  the  votes 
shall  be  taken  by  states,  the  representation  from  each  state  having  one  vote  ; 
a  quorum  for  this  purpose  shall  consist  of  a  member  or  members  from  two- 
thirds  of  the  states,  and  a  majority  of  all  the  states  shall  be  necessary  to  a 
choice.  And  if  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  not  choose  a  President 
whenever  the  right  of  choice  shall  devolve  upon  them,  before  the  fourth  day 
of  March  next  following,  then  the  Vice-President  shall  act  as  President,  as 
in  the  case  of  the  death  or  other  constitutional  disability  of  the  President. 
The  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  as  Vice-President,  shall  be 
the  Vice-President,  if  such  number  be  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of 
Electors  appointed,  and  if  no  person  have  a  majority,  then  from  the  two 
highest  numbers  on  the  list,  the  Senate  shall  choose  the  Vice-President ;  a 
quorum  for  the  purpose  shall  consist  of  two-thirds  of  the  whole  number  of 
Senators,  and  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  shall  be  necessary  to  a  choice. 
But  no  person  constitutionally  ineligible  to  the  office  of  President  shall  be 
eligible  to  that  of  Vice-President  of  the  United  States. 


CHRONOLOGICAL  RECORD. 


*     ,., 


1492.  Oct.  12,  Columbus  discovers  America  (St.  Salvador). 

1497.  June  24,  main-land  of  America  (Newfoundland)  discovered 

by  John  and  Sebastian  Cabot,  under  a  commission  from 
Henry  VII.,  of  England. 

1498.  Columbus  discovers  the  main-land  of  South  America. 

1499.  Voyage  of  Amerigo  Vespucci. 

1501.  Coast  of  N.  A.  explored  by  Cortereal,  a  Portuguese. 
1507.  The  New  World  first  called  AMERICA,  after  Amerigo  Ves 
pucci,  by  Waldseemiiller,  of  Fribourg. 

1512.  March  27,  Florida  discovered  by  Ponce  de  Leon. 

1513.  Sept.  26,  Pacific  Ocean  discovered  by  Balboa. 
1517.  Mexico  discovered  by  Francisco  Fernandez. 

1519.  April,  Cortez  lands  where  Vera  Cruz  now  stands. 

1520.  Magellan  enters  the  Pacific,  by  the  Strait  of  Magellan. 

1521.  August  13,  Cortez  takes  the  city  of  Mexico. 

1524.  Verazzani,  a  Florentine  in  the  service  of  France,  explores  the 

coast  from  N.  C.  to  Nova  Scotia. 
1528.  Unsuccessful  invasion  of  Florida  by  De  Narvaez. 
1534.  Cartier  discovers  the  River  St.  Lawrence. 

1539.  De  Soto  commences  his  invasion  at  Tampa  Bay. 

1540.  Attempt  of  Roberval  to  colonize  New  France. 

1541.  The  Mississippi  River  discovered  by  De  Soto. 

1542.  May  21,  De  Soto  dies;  is  buried  in  the  Mississippi. 
1562.  Huguenots  attempt  a  settlement  at  Port  Royal. 

1564.  Settlement  of  Huguenots  on  the  St.  John's,  Fla. 

1565.  Spaniards  found  St.  Augustine,  and  destroy  the  French  colony. 
1576.  Frobisher,  an  Englishman,  seeks  a  N.  W.  passage. 

1579.  First  voyage  of  Sir  Humphrey  Gilbert;  second,  in  1583. 

Sir  Francis  Drake  explores  the  coast  of  New  Albion  (Oregon). 

1584.  First  expedition  sent  out  by  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  reaches 

Roanoke  Island  ;  country  called  Virginia. 

1585.  Raleigh's  second  expedition  sent  out  under  Grenville. 
1587.  Raleigh  sends  out  a  colony  under  White. 

1589.  Raleigh  assigns  his  rights  to  the  London  Co. 


CHRONOLOGICAL   RECORD.  XV 

1602.  May  14,  Gosnold  discovers  Cape  Cod. 

1606.  Patent  issued  to  London  and  Plymouth  Companies. 

1607.  Plymouth  Co.  attempt  to  plant  a  colony  at  the  mouth  of 

the  Kennebec.     First  permanent  English  settlement  made, 
at  Jamestown,  by  London  Co. 

1608.  Quebec  founded  by  French  under  Champlain. 
Capt.  John  Smith  explores  Chesapeake  Bay. 

1609.  Lord  Delaware  appointed  governor  of  Virginia. 
Hendrik  Hudson  discovers  the  Hudson  River. 

1611.  Cattle  and  hogs  brought  to  Va.  from  Europe. 

1613.  Marriage  of  Pocahontas  to  John  Rolfe. 

1614.  Dutch  build  a  fort  on  Manhattan  Island. 

Capt.  Smith  explores  the  coast  of  New  England. 

1615.  Dutch  settle  at  Fort  Orange  (Albany). 

1618.  Dutch  settle  in  New  Jersey,  near  the  Hudson. 
*""     I  1619.  "  House  of  Burgesses,"  the  first  representative  body  in  Amer- 

\~  ica,  convenes  at  Jamestown. 

^^^620.  Dec.  11  (22nd,  N.  S.),  Pilgrims  land  at  Plymouth. 
'  1621.  March,  Pilgrims  make  a  treaty  with  Massassoit. 

Cotton  first  cultivated  at  Jamestown. 
1622.  Indian  massacre ;  347  Virginia  colonists  killed. 

Grant  made  to  Gorges  and  Mason  of  land  from  the  St.  Law 
rence  to  the  Merrimac. 
1624.  James  I.  dissolves  the  London  Company. 

1627.  Swedes  settle  near  the  Delaware. 

1628.  Massachusetts  Bay.  Colony  founded,-  -John  Endicott  settles  at 

Salem.     Charlestown  founded. 

1630.  Boston,  Dorchester,  Roxbury,  Cambridge,  founded. 

1631.  De  Vries  plants  a  colony  of  Dutch  in  Delaware. 

1632.  Trading-posts  established  in  Maryland. 

1633.  Connecticut  settled.     Dutch  build  a  fort  at  Hartford ;  Ply 

mouth  settlers  erect  a  trading-post  at  Windsor. 

1634.  Leonard  Calvert  colonizes  Maryland. 

1635.  Emigration  from  Massachusetts  to  Connecticut. 

1636.  Rhode  Island  first  settled,  at  Providence,  by  Roger  Williams. 

1637.  The  Pequod  War. 

1638.  Delaware  colonized  by  Swedes  and  Finns. 

Anne  Hutchinson's  followers  settle  on  Rhode  Island. 

Colony  of  New  Haven  founded. 
1641.  New  Hampshire  united  with  Massachusetts. 
1643.  Indian  War  in  New  Netherlands. 


CHRONOLOGICAL   RECORD. 

1643.  Confederacy  formed,  under  the  name  of  "  the  United  Colonies 

of  New  England  ". 
Swedes  from  Delaware  settle  in  Pennsylvania. 

1644.  Indian  War  in  Virginia. 

1653.  North  Carolina  first  colonized,  by  Virginians. 
1655.  Dutch  conquer  the  Swedes  of  Delaware. 
1659.  Quakers  executed  in  Massachusetts. 

1663.  Carolina  granted  to  Clarendon  and  others. 

1664.  Charles  II.  grants  the  whole  country  from  the  Connecticut  to 

the  Delaware  to  his  brother,  the  Duke  of  York.  New 
Amsterdam  is  taken,  and  its  name  changed  to  New  York. 
All  the  Dutch  possessions  pass  into  the  hands  of  the  Eng 
lish.  New  Jersey  granted  to  Berkeley  and  Carteret. 

1665.  Allouez  explores  Lake  Superior. 

1670.  Locke's  Grand  Model  signed.     S.  Carolina  colonized. 

1675.  King  Philip's  War.     Indian  war  in  Virginia. 

1676.  King  Philip  killed;  his  tribe  destroyed. 
Bacon's  Rebellion.     Jamestown  burned. 

1679.  New  Hampshire  made  a  royal  province. 

1680.  Founding  of  Charleston. 

1681.  William  Penn  obtains  a  grant  from  Charles  II. 

1682.  Pennsylvania  settled.     Philadelphia  founded  in  1683. 
1685.  Andros  made  governor  of  all  New  England. 

1687.  Andros  tries  to  take  away  the  charter  of  Conn. 

1689.  King  William's  War ;  lasts  till  1697. 

1690.  Schenectady  burned  by  French  and  Indians. 
1692.  Witch  delusion  in  Salem,  now  Danvers. 
1696.  Rice  first  raised  in  Carolina. 

1701.  Detroit  founded  by  the  French. 

1702.  Queen  Anne's  War;  lasts  till  1713. 
Mobile  founded  by  French  under  D'Iberville. 

1704.  Deerfield,  Mass.,  destroyed  by  French  and  Indians. 

1715.  Tuscaroras  driven  out  of  N.  C.,  after  three  years'  war. 

1717.  Law's  Mississippi  Scheme ;  exploded  1720. 

1718.  New  Orleans  founded  by  the  French. 

1724.  Vermont  first  settled,  by  emigrants  from  Mass. 

1729.  N.  and  S.  Carolina  made  separate  governments. 
Massacre  of  French  at  Fort  Rosalie  (Natchez). 
Baltimore  founded. 

1730.  The  Natchez  exterminated  by  the  French. 
1732.  George  Washington  born,  Pope's  Creek,  Va. 


CHRONOLOGICAL   RECORD.  XVII 

0"  «*•  j  1733.  Georgia  settled  by  Oglethorpe,  at  Savannah. 

*?*  !  1740.  Unsuccessful  invasion  of  Fla.  by  Oglethorpe. 

England   ^±%  Unsuccessful  invasion  of  Ga.  by  the  Spauish. 

1744.  King  George's  War;  lasts  till  1748.  •••i 

1745.  Colonists  under  Sir  Wm.  Pepperell  take  Louisburg. 
1749.  Ohio  Company  obtain  a  grant  of  500,000  acres. 

1753.  Washington's  mission  fo  the  French  f&rts. 

1754.  Fort  Du  Quesne  begun  by  the  English  ;  taken  and  finished  by 


1760 


the  French.     Washington  defeats  Jumonville. 
1765.  Braddock's  defeat.     Dieskau's  defeat. 

1756.  War  formally  declared  between  France  and  England. 

1757.  Montcalm  takes  Ft.  William  Henry;  massacre. 

1758.  Montcalm  repulses  Abercrombie  at  Ticonderoga. 
English  take  Louisburg  and  Fort  Du  Quesne. 

1759.  English  take  Quebec.     Wolfe  and  Montcalm  fall 

1760.  All  Canada  surrenders  to  the  English. 


1763.  Peace  of  Paris  ends  the  French  and  Indian  War. 

Poutiac's  War ;  Mackinaw  taken ;  Detroit  besieged. 
1765.  Stamp  Act  passed ;  repealed,  March,  1766. 

1767.  Duty  laid  on  tea,  glass,  paper,  and  painters'  colors. 

1768.  Sept.  27,  British  troops  arrive  at  Boston. 

1770.  Boston  Massacre.     Duties  removed  except  on  tea. 

1773.  Tea  thrown  overboard  at  Boston. 

1774.  Sept.  5,  Continental  Congress  meet  at  Philadelphia. 

1775.  Revolutionary  War  commences  April  19,  with  Battle  of  Lex 

ington.  May  10,  Ethan  Allen  takes  Ticonderoga.  May 
12,  Warner  takes  Crown  Point.  May  21,  Independence 
declared  in  N.  C.  June  15,  Washington  elected  com- 
mauder-in-chief.  June  17,  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill.  Dec. 
_.  31,  unsuccessful  attack  on  Quebec;  Montgomery  slain. 

1776.  March  17,  British  evacuate  Boston  ;  June  28,  are  repulsed  at 

Charleston.  July  4,  Declaration  of  Independence.  Aug. 
27,  Battle  of  Long  Island.  Sept.  15,  British  land  on  N. 
Y.  Island;  Oct.  28,  Battle  of  White  Plains.  Nov.  16, 
British  take  Fort  Washington.  Dec.  26,  Battle  of  Trenton. 

1777.  Jan.  3,  Battle  of  Princeton.      La  Fayette  arrives  in  Amer- 
,  ica,     July  6,  Burgoyne  takes  Ticonderoga.     Aug.  3,  St. 

Leger  besieges  Fort  Stanwix.  Aug.  6,  Battle  of  Oriskany. 
Aug.  16,  Battle  of  Bennington.  Sept.  11,  Battle  of  Bran 
dy  wine.  Sept.  19,  first  Battle  of  Still  water.  Sept.  20, 
Wayne  surprised  near  Paoli.  Sept.  26,  Howe  enters  Phila, 
21 


of 

England 


CHRONOLOGICAL   RECORD. 

°Ct-  4'  Battle  of  Germantown.  Oct.  7,  second  Battle  of 
Stillwater.  Oct.  17,  Burgoyne's  surrender.  Dec.  11, 
Washington  goes  into  winter  quarters  at  Valley  Forge. 

1778.  Feb.  6,  treaty  with  France  signed.     June  18,  Philadelphia 

evacuated  by  the  British.  June  28,  Battle  of  Monmouth. 
Massacre  of  Wyoming.  July  11,  French  fleet  arrives 
off  Sandy  Hook.  Aug.,  unsuccessful  invasion  of  Rhode 
Island.  Nov.  12,  Massacre  of  Cherry  Valley.  Dec.  29, 
British  take  Savannah. 

1779.  March  8,  Americans  surprised  at  Briar  Creek,  Ga.     British 

take  Stony  and  Verplanck's  Point.  July,  Tryon  ravages 
Conn.  July  15,  Wayne  recaptures  Stony  Point.  Sept., 
Sullivan  ravages  the  Indian  country.  Sept.  23,  Paul  Jones 
takes  the  Serapis.  Oct.,  Americans  repulsed  at  Savannah. 

1780.  May  12,  Gen.  Lincoln    surrenders  Charleston.      July    10, 

French  fleet  arrives  off  Newport.  Aug.  6,  Battle  of 
Hanging  Rock.  Aug.  16,  Gates  defeated  near  Camden. 
Sept.  23,  Andre  captured  ;  discovery  of  Arnold's  treason. 
Oct.  7,  Battle  of  King's  Mountain.  Exploits  of  Marion. 

1781.  Jan.,  Arnold  ravages  Va.     Jan.  17,  Battle  of  the  Cowpens. 

Jan.,  Feb.,  Morgan  and  Greene's  retreat.  March  15,  Bat 
tle  of  Guilford  C.  H.  April  25,  Battle  of  Hobkirk's  Hill. 
British  posts  in  Carolina  captured.  Sept.  6,  British  take 
Forts  Trumbull  and  Griswold,  Conn.  Sept.  8,  Battle  of 
Eutaw  Springs.  Oct.,  French  and  Americans  besiege  Corn- 
wallis  at  Yorktown.  Oct.  19,  surrender  of  Cornwallis. 
1783.  Sept.  3,  treaty  of  peace  signed  between  Great  Britain  and 
U.  S.  Nov.  3,  Americans  disband  their  army.  Nov.  25, 
N.  Y.  evacuated  by  the  British.  Dec.  23,  Washington 
resigns  his  commission. 

1787.  Shay's  Rebellion  in  Mass.     Constitution  of  the  U.  S.  framed 

by  a  convention  at  Philad. 

1788.  First  permanent  settlement  in  Ohio,  at  Marietta. 

1789.  Government    organized    under    the    Federal   Constitution. 

Washington  elected  first  president.     Cincinnati  founded. 

1790.  Indian  War;  Gen.  Harmer  defeated  in  Indiana. 

1791.  Vermont  admitted  into  the  Union. 
St.  Clair  defeated  by  the  Indians. 

1792.  Kentucky  admitted.     Columbia  River  explored. 

1794.  Whiskey  Rebellion  in  Pa.     Gen.  Wayne  ends  the  Indian 
War.     Jay's  treaty  with  Great  Britain. 


CHRONOLOGICAL   RECORD. 


XII 


1796.  Tennessee  admitted.    Washington's  Farewell  Address. 

1797.  John  Adams  becomes  president. 

1799.  Naval  engagements  with  French  vessels. 
Dec.  14,  death  of  Washington. 

1800.  Washington  made  the  capital.     Treaty  with  France. 

1801.  Jeffei-son  becomes  president.     Tripolitan  War. 

1802.  Ohio  admitted. 

1803.  Louisiana  purchased.     U..S.  frigate  Philadelphia  captured  by 

the  Tripolitans. 

1804.  The  Philad.  retaken  by  Decatur.     Tripoli  bombarded. 
1807.  Burr  tried  for  treason,  and  acquitted. 

IT.  S.  frigate  Chesapeake  attacked  by  the  Leopard. 
1809.  Madison  becomes  president. 

1811.  Harrison  gains  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe. 

1812.  June  18,  war  with  Great  Britain  declared.     Hull's  invasion 

of  Canada,  retreat,  and  surrender.  Unsuccessful  attack 
on  Queenstown.  U.  S.  gain  brilliant  naval  victories. 

1813.  Americans  defeated  at  Frenchtown;  take  York,  U.  C. ;  be 

sieged  in  Fort  Meigs ;  take  Fort  George ;  repulse  the 
British  at  Sackett's  Harbor ;  also  at  Fort  Stepbenson. 
Sept.  10,  Perry's  great  victory  on  Lake  Erie.  Oct.  5, 
Battle  of  the  Thames.  British  take  Forts  George  and 
Niagara,  Jackson's  campaign  in  the  Creek  country. 

1814.  July  5,  Battle  of  Chippewa.     July  25,  Battle  of  Lundy's  Lane. 

Americans  besieged  in  Fort  Erie.     Aug.  24,  Battle  of  Bla- 

densburg  ;  British  enter  Washington  and  burn  the  public 

buildings.     Sept.  11,  Battle  of  Plattsburg.     Sept.  13,  Brit- 

^J^hj-epulsed  at  Baltimore.     Dec.  15,  Hartford  Convention. 

1815.  Jan.  8,  Battle  of  New  Orleans.     Feb.  18,  peace  with  Great 
~"~"*    ,  -.iBritain  proclaimed.  Decatur  settles  with  the  Barbary  States. 

1816.  Treaties  with  Southern  Indians.     Indiana  admitted. 

1817.  Monroe  president.     Seminole  War  begins.     Mississippi  ad 

mitted.     Erie  Canal  commenced. 

1818.  Illinois  admitted.     Jackson  seizes  Pensacola, 

1819.  Spain  cedes  Florida  to  U.  S.     Alabama  admitted. 

1820.  Maine,  before  a  part  of  Mass.,  admitted. 

1821.  Missouri  admitted.     Missouri  Compromise  passed. 

1823.  Com.  Porter  suppresses  West  Indian  pirates. 

1824.  La  Fayette  visits  America. 

1825.  John  Quincy  Adams  inaugurated  as  president. 

1826.  July  4,  death  of  John  Adams  and  Jefferson. 


XX  CHRONOLOGICAL   RECORD. 


1829.  Jackson  inaugurated,  seventh  president. 

1832.  Kavages  of  the  cholera.     Black  Hawk's  War.     Nullification 

in  S.  C.     U.  S.  Bank  vetoed. 

1833.  Jackson  removes  the  deposits  from  TJ.  S.  Bank. 

1835.  Second  war  with  Serninoles.     Great  fire  in  New  York.     Texan 

Revolution  commences. 

1836.  Battle  of  San  Jacinto.     Arkansas  admitted. 

1837.  Michigan  admitted.     U.  S.  recognizes  independence  of  Texas. 

Van  Buren  becomes  president.  Financial  distress.  Trou 
bles  on  the  Canada  line. 

1841.  Harrison,  inaugurated  as  president  March  4,  dies  April  4. 

Tyler  succeeds.     Difficulties  in  the  Cabinet. 

1842.  North  Eastern  boundary  settled  with  England. 

1843.  Dorr's  Rebellion  in  Rhode  Island. 

1845.  Polk  president.     Texas  and  Florida  admitted. 

1846.  Iowa  admitted.     Mexican  War  commences.     May  8,  Battle 

of  Palo  Alto.  May  9,  Battle  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma. 
Sept.  24,  Capitulation  of  Monterey.  Americans  conquer 
California.  N.  W.  boundary  settled  with  Great  Britain. 

1847.  Feb.  23,  Battle  of  Buena  Vista.     Mar.  27,  Scott  takes  Vera 

Cruz.  April  18,  Battle  of  Cerro  Gordo.  Aug.  20,  Con- 
treras,  Churubusco.  Sept.  8,  Molino  del  Rey.  Sept.  13, 
Chapultepec.  Sept.  14,  Americans  enter  Mexico. 

1848.  Discovery  of  gold  in  California.     July  4,  peace  with  Mexico 

proclaimed.     Wisconsin  admitted. 

1849.  Taylor  inaugurated. 

1850.  Descent  of  Lopez  on  Cuba.     July  9,  death  of  the  president. 

Fillmore  succeeds.  Sept.  18,  Omnibus  Bill  passed.  Cali 
fornia  admitted. 

1852.  Difficulty  with  England  on  the  fishery  question. 

1853.  Pierce  inaugurated.     World's  Fair.     The  Koszta  difficulty. 

Perry  enters  the  Bay  of  Jeddo. 

1854.  Japanese  make  a  treaty  with  the  U.  S.     Kansas  and  Nebraska 

Bill  passed.     Missouri  Compromise  repealed. 

1855.  Troubles  in  Kansas. 

1857.  Buchanan  inaugurated.     Revulsion  in  business.      Mormon 

Rebellion. 

1858.  Minnesota  admitted. 

1859.  Expedition  to  Paraguay.     John  Brown  seizes  the  U.  S.  arsenal 

at  Harper's  Ferry;  is  taken,  and  with  six  companions 
hanged.  Oregon  admitted. 


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WEBSTER'S  HIGH  SCHOOL  DICTIONARY,  350  pp.,  12mo.    Price  $1  00. 
WEBSTER'S  ACADEMIC  DICTIONARY,  472  pp.,  cap  4to.    Price  $1  50. 
WEBSTER'S  COUNTING-HOUSE  AND  FAMILY  DICTIONARY,  522  PPn 
Imperial  12mo.    Price  $1  75. 


The  publishers  have  now  the  pleasure  of  presenting  the  abridgments  of  W  ebster'i 
American  Dictionary  in  a  carefully  revised,  greatly  improved,  and,  as  nearly  as  pos 
sible,  perfected  form.  The  series  is  rendered  complete,  and  made  to  include  a  book 
just  suited  to  every  purpose  for  whicu  an  abridgment  of  the  complete  work  can  be 
desired,  by  the  introduction  of  two  m  w  books,  viz.  :  The  Common  School  Dictionary 
intermediate  between  the  Primary  ttchool  and  the  High  School  ;  and  the  Counting- 
House  and  Family  Dictionary,  a  nrichrnore  full  and  comprehensive  abridgment  than 
we  have  before  offered.  The  other  books  in  the  series  have  also  been  most  carefully 
revised,  and  the  new  abridgment',  prepared,  by  and  under  the  direction  of  Prof.  C.  E. 
Goodrich  and  Mr.  Win.  G.  WeOster,  with  assistance  from  other  most  competent 
sources,  no  pains  having  been  spared  to  remove  any,  however  slight,  grounds  for  rea 
sonable  objection  which  may  have  existed  to  the  books  in  the  old  form,  and  to  rendei 
them  as  nearly  perfect  as  possible,  and  yet  more  worthy  the  high  position  they  occupy 
as  the 

STANDARD  DICTIONARIES  OF  THE  ENGLISH  LANGUAGE, 

proved  to  be  such  by  a  sale  many  times  greater  than  that  of  all  other  dictionariet 
published  in  America  combined,  and  acknowledged  such  by  our  Courts  of  Justice,  aa 
well  as  the  people  at  large. 

The  old  stereotype  plates  having  been  much  worn  by  the  immense  numbers  o/ 
books  printed  from  them,  the  occasion  has  been  embraced  to  make  the  very  thorough 
levision  and  improvement  now  completed.  All  the  books  in  the  series  are  no* 
printed,  therefore,  on 

ENTIRELY  NEW  ELECTROTYPE  PLATES, 

*nd  are  uniform  in  Definitions,  Orthography,  Orthoepy,  «fec. 

It  is  deemed  unnecessary  to  enlarge  upon  the  claims  of  these  well-known  stand 
rd  works.  Literally  thousands  of  testimonials  to  their  superiority  to  all  others  ar« 
n  the  hands  of  the  publishers,  from  the  most  eminent  educational  and  literary  mea 
n  all  parts  of  th.e  country.  From  year  to  year  their  sale  is  steadily  and  rapidly  in 

•reasing.    It  is  believed  that  the  mere  increase  in  the  sale  of  these  abridgments  the 

present  year,  will  be  greater  than  the  entire  combined  sale  of  all  other  America* 

Dictionaries. 

PUBLISHED    BY    MASON    BROTHERS,    NEW     YORK. 

fOR    SALE    BT    BOOKSELLERS    GENERALLY. 


ftuackenoob  s  Text-Books, 
First  Lessons  in  G<  mposition, 

In  WBICB  TUB  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  ART  ARK  DEVELOPED  IK  OOWNBOTIOW  wrtH  TJU 
PRINCIPLES  or  GRAMMAR;   BMBRACINO  FULL  DIRBOTIONS  on  TH«  SUBJECT  ov 

PinrOTtTATION      WITH  COPIOUS  EXBRCI8E8. 

BY    G.    P.    QUACKENBOS,    A.M.. 
12mo.    182  pages.    Price  63  cents. 

These  "  First  Lessons  "  are  intended  for  beginners  in  Grammar  and  Composition, 
tad  should  be  placed  in  their  hands  at  whatever  age  it  may  be  deemed  best  for  them 
to  commence  these  branches.  By  a  succession  of  pleasing  and  ingenious  exerciees, 
they  teach  the  young  student  the  use  of  words,  and  enable  him  to  express  hta 
thoughts  chastely,  forcibly,  and  elegantly,  to  analyze  a  subject  properly,  and  to  pro 
duce  successively,  after  given  models,  letters,  descriptions,  narrations,  biographical 
sketches,  essays,  and  argumentative  discourses. 

This  work,  immediately  on  its  publication,  came  into  general  use,  and  its  sale 
n«s  been  steadily  increasing  ever  since.  Many  teachers  who  had  not  before  made 
Composition  a  regular  branch  of  their  course,  on  account  of  its  dryness,  and  the  want 
of  a  proper  text-book,  foand  it  so  easy  and  pleasant  with  the  aid  of  these  "  First 
Lessons,"  that  they  at  once  introduced  it,  even  among  very  young  classes,  with  won 
derful  effect  in  developing  their  intellectual  powers.  The  Publishers  have  yet  to 
learn  the  first  place  in  which  the  work  has  not  given  entire  satisfaction. 

From  TATLER  LEWIS,  LL.  D.,  Prof,  of  &re*k,  Union  College,  Schenectady,  N.  Y. 

"We  cannot  say  that  this  book  is  the  best  of  the  kind,  for  we  have  f>ten  nothing 
Ukc  it.  It  is  at  the  same  time  a  system  of  grammar  and  rhetoric.  It  commences 
with  the  alphabet,  and  ends  with  a  brief,  vet  very  clear  and  practical,  illustration  of 
•ome  of  the  highest  rules  of  good  writing.  It  may  be  studied  by  the  child  who  has 
just  learned  to  read,  whilst,  at  the  same  time,  it  might  be  of  no  small  service  t« 
many  of  the  graduates  of  our  colleges. 

From  RICHARD  8.  JAMES,  Principal  of  High  School,  Norristown,  Ohio. 

After  a  careful  examination  of  the  book,  I  am  prepared  to  say  that  I  know  ot  n« 
work  equal  to  it  for  simplicity  of  arrangement,  correctness  of  definition,  and  adapta 
tion  to  the  wants  of  schools.  It  is  THE  work. 

From  G.  W.  CLARKE,  A.  M.,  Asso.  Prino.  of  Ml.  Washington  Coll.  Institute,  N.  T. 

It  is  calculated  in  my  view  (better  than  any  similar  w«vk  with  which  I  am  ae- 
^nainted)  to  render  a  practical  knowledge  of  the  English  toague,  both  more  easy  t» 
acquire  and  more  easy  to  imyart. 


From  the  late  Rector  of  the  WilUamsb'trgh  Grammar  School. 
itary  work  on  Composition,  /  know  none  in  < 
From  ike  Principal  of  Clark  Seminary,  Fa. 


For  an  elementary  work  on  Composition,  /  know  none  i«  *my  degree  equal 


UTAOHSNBOS'S  is,  I  am  persuaded,  the  bent  book  for 


the  public. 


English  Language. 


ADVANCED  COURSE  OF 

Composition  and  Rhetoric. 

A  SERIES  OF  PRACTICAL  LESSONS  ON  THE  ORIGIN,  HISTORY.  AND  PECULIARITIES 
OF  THE  ENGLISH  LANGUAGE,  PUNCTUATION,  TASTE,  THE  PLEASURES  OF  TUB 
IMAGINATION,  FIGURES,  STYLE  AND  ITS  ESSENTIAL  PROPERTIES,  CRITICISM, 
AND  THE  VARIOUS  DEPARTMENTS  OF  PROSE  AND  POETICAL  COMPOSITION. 
ILLUSTRATED  WITH  COPIOUS  EXERCISES. 

BY  G.  P.  QUACKENBOS,  A.  M. 
12mo.  450  pages.    Price  $1  25. 

This  work  is  an  eminently  clear  and  practical  text-book,  and 
embraces  a  variety  of  important  subjects,  which  have  a  common 
connection,  and  mutually  illustrate  each  other ;  but  which  the  pupil 
has  heretofore  been  obliged  to  leave  unlearned,  or  to  search  for 
among  a  number  of  different  volumes.  Claiming  to  give  a  compre 
hensive  and  practical  view  of  our  language  in  all  its  relations,  this 
"  Advanced  Course  "  views  it  as  a  whole,  no  less  than  with  refer 
ence  to  the  individual  words  composing  it ;  shows  how  it  compares 
with  other  tongues ;  points  out  its  beauties ;  indicates  how  they 
may  best  be  made  available  ;  and,  in  a  word,  teaches  the  student  the 
most  philosophical  method  of  digesting  his  thoughts,  as  well  as  the 
most  effective  mode  of  expressing  them. 

It  teaches  Rhetoric  not  merely  theoretically,  like  the  old  text 
books,  but  practically,  illustrating  every  point  with  exercises  to  be 
prepared  by  the  student,  which  at  once  test  his  familiarity  with  the 
principles  laid  down,  and  impress  them  on  his  mind  so  vividly  that 
they  can  never  be  effaced. 

Hon.  A.  CONSTANTINE  BARRY,  State  Superintendent  of  the 
Common  Schools  of  Wisconsin,  in  a  Report  to  the  Legislature  of 
that  State,  uses  the  following  strong  language  in  relation  to 
QUACKENBOS'S  works  on  Composition  : 

"It  would  be  difficult  to  point  out  in  these  admirable  books  any  thing 
that  we  would  desire  to  have  altered  ;  they  meet  our  wants  in  every  respect, 
making  no  unreasonable  draft  on  the  time  or  patience  of  the  teacher,  and 
leaving  him  no  excuse  for  neglecting  to  make  composition  a  regular  study, 
even  with  his  younger  classes.  It  is  unnecessary  to  compare  these  books 
with  others  on  the  subject,  for  THERE  ARE  NONE  THAT  APPROACH  THEM  in 
clearness,  comprehensiveness,  excellence  of  arrangement,  and  above  all,  in 
direct  practical  bearing.  Affording  an  insight  into  the  mechanism  of  Ian- 
guage,  they  will  hardly  fail  to  impart  facility  and  grace  of  expression,  and  t« 
inspire  a  love  for  the  beauties  of  literature." 

From  PROF.  JOHN  N.  PRATT,  of  the  University  of  Alabama. 

"I  have  been  using  QUACKENBOS  on  Composition  and  Rhetoric  in  the  in- 
•truction  of  my  classes  in  the  University,  and  I  am  persuaded  of  its  GREAT 
EXCELLENCE.  The  First  Lessons  in  Composition,  by  the  same  author,  I 
regard  as  very  useful  for  beginners.  Of  these  two  books,  I  can  speak  with 
the  greatest  confidence,  and  I  do  MOST  HEARTILY  RECOMMEND  THEM  to  all." 


'•Get  the  Best." 


Webster's   Quarto  Dictionary. 

UNABRIDGED. SOLD  BY  ALL  BOOKSELLERS. 

PUBLISHED    BY    C.   &    G.   MERRIAM,    SPRINGFIELD,    MASS. 
From  DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

I  possess  many  Dictionaries,  and  of  most  of  the  learned  and  cultivated  languages, 
ancient   and    modern ;    but  I          — 
never  feel  that  I  am  entirely 
armed    and   equipped   in    this 
respect,  without  Dr.  Webster 
at  command. 

From  EUFUS  CHOATE. 

Messrs.  G.  &.  C.  Merriam :— Gentlemen,  I  have  just  had  the  honor  of  receiving 
the  noble  volume   in  which 
you  and  the  great  lc 
pher,  and 
reviser,  u 
"bid  the 
accept  it 

"pride  and  pleasure,  and  beg 
to     adopt    in    its     utmost 
strength  and  extent,  the  testimonial  of  Daniel  Webster. 
From  JOHN  C.  SPENCKR. 

Unquestionably  the  very  best  Dictionary  of  our  language  extant    Its  great  ac 
curacy  in  the  definition  and  derivation  of      t      ^  ni 
words,  gives  it  an  authority  that  no  other       w7-r!L«^      fS       xL)  iV-t^^c^^x.. 
work  on  the  subject  possesses.     It  is  con-      /T^                         *•   ^  \ 
stantlv  cited  and  relied  on  in  our  Courts     /  I 


J  I 
L/ 

BURRITT. 
rded  as  beari 
n-    ^ 
of  /    3    ,  A 

Ci>  *^/UxW. 


stantly 

of  Justice,  in  our  legislative  bodies,  and  in 

public  discussions,  as  entirely  conclusive. 

From  ELIHU  BURRITT. 

Webster's  great  Dictionary  may  be  regarded  as  bearing  the  Bame  relation  to  tha 
English  language  which  Newton's  "Prin- 
cipid"  does  to  the    sublime  science 
Natural  Philosophy. 

From  PRESIDENT  HOPKINS,  Williams  College. 
There  is  no  American  scholar  who  does  not  feel  proud  of  the  labors  of  Dr.  Web 
ster  as  the  pioneer  of  lex-  ~' 

icography    on   this    conti-     ^ 
nerit,    and    who  will    not    | 
readily  admit  the  great  and     V  ---  •** 
distinctive  merits  of  his  Dictionary. 

From  JOHN  G.  WHITTIEB. 


The  best  and  safest  guide 
of  the  students  of  our  lan 
guage. 


Of  the  book  itself  I 
hear  but  one  opinion  from 
all  around  me,  and  do  but 
echo  the  universal  voice  in 
expressing  my  approval  of 
its  great  worth,  and  my 
belief  that  it  has  rendered 
any  further  research,  or 
even  improvement  in  our 
time,  unnecessary  in  its 
department  of  instruction. 


Mathematical  Works. 


Arithmetical    Series. 

BY  GEOEGE  K.  PERKINS/  LL.D., 

LtTB  PRINCIPAL  AND  PBOFESSOK  OF  MATHEMATICS  IN  THE  NORMAL  SCHOOL  OF    THB  BTATB 
OF  NEW  YORK. 

I.  PRIMARY  ARITHMETIC.  .  18mo.  160  p.  Price  25  cents. 
II.  ELEMENTARY  ARITHMETIC.  16mo.  347  p.  Price  50  cents. 
^11.  PRACTICAL  ARITHMETIC,  WITH  NUMEROUS  EXAMPLES. 

12mo.    356  p.    Price,  Cloth,     .          .         .^        .         .          75  cents. 
*  r.    HIGHER  ARITHMETIC.  12mo.  324  p.  Price,  Cloth,       $1  00 

Algebraic     Series. 

BY  GEORGE  R.  PERKINS,  LL.D. 

I.  ELEMENTS  OF  ALGEBRA.  .  12mo.  244  p.  Price  $1  00 
(I.  TREATISE  ON  ALGEBRA.  EMBRACING,  BESIDES  THE 
ELEMENTARY  PRINCIPLES,  ALL  THE  HIGHER  PARTS  USUALLY  TAUGHT 
IN  COLLEGES;  CONTAINING,  MOREOVER,  THH  NEW  METHOD  OF 
CUBIC  AND  HIGHER  EQUATIONS,  AS  WELL  AS  THE  DEVELOPMENT 
AND  APPLICATION  OF  THE  MORE  RECENTLY  DISCOVERED  THEOREM  OF 
BTUBM.  8vo.  Sheep.  420  p.  Price,  .  .  $1 75 

Geometrical    Series. 

BY    GEORGE    R.    PERKINS,    LL.D. 

I.  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOMETRY  WITH  PRACTICAL  APPLI 
CATIONS.  12mo.  320  p.  Price,  .  .  .  V  .  $125 
II.  PLANE  AND  SOLID  GEOMETRY:  To  WHICH  ARE 
ADDED,  PLANE  AND  SPHERICAL  TRIGONOMETRY  AND  MENSURATION, 
ACCOMPANIED  WITH  ALL  THE  NECESSARY  LOGARITHMIC  AND  TBIGONO- 
METRIC  TABLES.  Large  8vo.  443  p.  Price,  •  .  .  .  $175 

Perkins'  Plane  Trigonometry, 

AND  ITS  APPLICATION  TO  MENSURATION  AND  LAND  SURVEYING,  ACCOMPANIED  WITH 
ALL  THE  NECESSARY  LOGARITHMIC  AND  TRIGONOMETRIC  TABLES. 

8vo.    328  pages.    Sheep.   Price  $1  75. 

%*  A  copy  of  any  of  Dr.  PERKINS'  works,  for  examination,  will  be 
sent  by  mail,  post-paid,  to  any  Teacher  or  School  Officer,  remitting  one 
half  its  price. 


Cornell's  Geographies. 

First  Steps   in  Geography.    Child's  quarto,  with  numerous  Map.  a*4 
Illustrations.   Price  25  cents.    Intended  to  precede 

CORNELL'S 

COMPLETE    AND     SYSTEMATIC     SEIUBSJ 


SCHOOL   GEOGRAPHIES, 

CONSISTING    OF 

Primary  Geography.  Small  qnarto,  96  pp.  Price  68  cents.  This  work  contains 
only  those  branches  of  the  subject  that  admit  of  being  brought  within  the  compre 
hension  of  the  youthful  beginner.  It  is  illustrated  with  upwards  of  seventy  sug 
gestive  designs,  and  sixteen  beautiful  and  clear  Maps.  This  work  was  first 
published  in  1855,  and  has  already  reached  a  sale  of  more  than  500,000  copies. 

Intermediate  Geography.  Large  quarto.  Revised  edition,  with  new  and  addifional 
Maps  and  numerous  Illustrations.  Price  85  cents.  Designed  for  pupils  who  have 
completed  a  Primary  Course  in  Geography.  It,  as  well  as  the  Primary,  contains 
many  peculiar  and  invaluable  ad  vantages  of  arrangement  and  system. 

Grammar-School  Geography.  Large  quarto,  with  numerous  Maps  and  Illustrations. 
103  pp.  It  includes  Physical  and  Descriptive  Geography.  Price  $1  00.  Thil 
work  i»  intended  to  follow  the  Intermediate,  or  be  used  instead  of  it  Both  are 
alike  philosophical  in  their  arrangements,  accurate  in  their  statements,  judiciously 
adapted  to  the  school-room,  chastely  and  lavishly  illustrated,  attractive  in  their  ex 
ternal  appearance,  and  generally,  just  what  the  intelligent  teacher  desires. 

High-School  Geography  and  Atlas.  Geography,  large  12mo.  405  pp.  Richly 
Illustrated.  Price  75  cents.  Atlas,  very  large  4to.  Containing  a  complete  set  ol 
Maps  for  study;  also,  a  set  of  Reference  Maps  for  family  use.  Price  $150.  These 
Tolumes  are  intended  for  High  Schools,  Academies,  and  Seminaries.  They  cover 
the  whola  ground  of  Mathematical,  Physical,  and  Descriptive  Geography.  The 
Atlas  will  ba  found  fullei  and  more  reliable  than  former  atlases,  and  will  answer 
every  practical  purpose  of  reference  for  schools  and  families. 

Cornell's  Geographies  are  standard  Text-books  in  the  public  schools  of  NEW  YORK, 
BROOKLYN,  ALBANY,  TROY,  SYRACUSE,  ROCHESTER,  PHILADEL 
PHIA,  PITTSBURGH,  SPRINGFIELD,  HARTFORD,  NEW  HAVEN,  DE 
TROIT,  ST.  LOUIS,  WASHINGTON,  MOBILE,  and  numerous  other  cities. 

Cornell's  Geographies  are  used  in  aM  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  have  been  of 
ficially  adopted  for  the  use  of  all  the  public  schools  of  the  States  of  CALIFORNIA 
WISCONSIN,  INDIANA,  VERMONT,  and  NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

%*  A  copy  of  cither  part  of  the  Series,  for  examination,  will  be  sent  fcy  mail,  pMfr 
yaU,  to  a*y  Teaoher  or  School  Officer  remitting  one  half  its  price. 


English  Grammar. 


A  Digest  of  English  Grammar. 

BY  L.  T.  COVELL. 
12mo.   219  pages.    Price  60  cents.  >; 

This  work  is  designed  as  a  text-book  for  the  use  of  schools  and 
academies ;  it  is  the  result  of  long  experience  of  an  eminently  suc 
cessful  teacher,  and  will  be  found  to  possess  many  peculiar  advan 
tages. 

The  work  is  both  synthetical  and  analytical,  and  its  principles 
are  strictly  practical ;  the  different  subjects  are  carefully  separated 
and  methodically  arranged,  so  that  all  difficulty  as  to  what  belongs 
to  Etymology,  Syntax,  and  Analysis,  is  entirely  removed,  and  the 
latter,  which  is  very  properly  placed  in  the  first  part  of  Syntax,  is 
rendered  quite  as  simple  and  easy  of  comprehension  as  the  most 
plain  portion  of  grammar. 

One  subject  is  taken  up  at  a  time,  and,  when  fully  explained, 
models  of  Analysis  are  given,  and  examples  for  practice  follow. 

The  principles  of  the  work  are  sound ;  the  definitions  are  di 
rect,  short,  and  accurate. 

The  rules,  though  ample,  are  few,  plain,  and  concise ;  and  the 
language  throughout  the  work  is  simple,  clear,  and  expressive. 

The  method  of  treating  the  Elementary  Sounds,  is  that  which 
is  now  highly  approved. 

The  principles  of  Derivation,  and  of  Orthographic  Analysis,  are 
brought  within  the  comprehension  of  the  youngest  learner. 

From  Forty-four  Teachers  of  Public  Schools,  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania. 

"The  undersigned  have  examined  Covell's  Digest  of  English  Grammar, 
and  are  of  opinion  that  in  the  justness  of  its  general  views,  the  excellence  of 
its  style,  the  brevity,  accuracy,  and  perspicuity  of  its  definitions  and  rules, 
the  numerous  examples  and  illustrations,  the  adaptation  of  its  synthetical 
exercises,  the  simplicity  of  its  method  of  analysis,  and  in  the  plan  of  its  ar 
rangement,  this  work  surpasses  any  other  Grammar  now  before  the  public ; 
and  that  in  all  respects  it  is  most  admirably  adapted  to  the  use  of  schools  and 
academies." 

From  JOHN  M.  WOLCOTT,  A.  M.,  Principal  and  Superintendent  of  Ninth 
Ward  School,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

"  Covell's  Digest  of  English  Grammar  not  only  evinces  the  most  unceas 
ing  labor,  the  most  extensive  research,  the  most  unrelaxing  effort,  and  the 
most  devoted  self-sacrificing  study  of  its  author,  but  it  is  the  most  complete, 
the  most  perfect,  and,  to  me,  the  most  satisfactory  exposition  of  English 


principles  to  the  full,  round,  beautiful,  faultless,  perfect  period,  will  mak« 
this  volume  his  lvade  metum.'  " 


Grammar  that  has  come  to  my  notice.    It  appears  to  me  that  every  youth 
aspiring  to  become  master  of  the  English  language,  from  the  rudimental 

'"  iss,  perfect  period,  will  ir  -1- 

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